Persistent headache for days: what should you know?

Headache pain can continue with migraine, tension around the scalp and neck, dehydration, disrupted sleep, an infection, medication overuse, or another medical problem. The location alone does not identify the cause. A headache that is worse after waking, with coughing or straining, or that steadily changes needs a clinician's assessment. Brain tumours can present with headache, but headache is not enough to diagnose one; assessment may include a neurological examination and, when appropriate, brain imaging. Read more about [Brain Tumour](/conditions/brain-tumour/) and [Glioblastoma](/conditions/glioblastoma/).

Record when the pain began, where it is felt, its severity, triggers, sleep, fluids, medicines, and any accompanying symptoms. Rest in a quiet space, drink fluids if you can, and use only pain medicine that is suitable for you and taken according to its label or a clinician's advice. Arrange medical advice promptly if this is a new headache, it is not settling, or self-care is not helping. Do not keep increasing pain medicine without guidance, because frequent use can perpetuate headaches.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, a seizure, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, new vision loss, repeated vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a head injury. If you have cancer or are receiving cancer treatment, tell the treating team about a new persistent headache; cancer can sometimes spread to the brain, a condition called [Brain Metastases](/conditions/brain-metastases/), and new neurological changes need rapid assessment.

Ask: What causes fit my headache pattern? Do I need a neurological examination or imaging? Could a medicine, sleep change, illness, or dehydration be contributing? Which pain medicines are suitable for me, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review?