What should you know about secondary headache?

Headache can accompany common cold, COVID-19, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, dehydration or heat exhaustion. It may also occur with dengue or during marked anxiety. These conditions can bring other clues such as fever, blocked nose, cough, thirst, weakness, heat exposure or body aches, but symptoms overlap. The timing, severity, location, triggers and associated symptoms help a clinician decide whether examination or testing is needed.

Rest somewhere comfortable, drink fluids if you can, and record when the pain began, what it feels like, possible heat or illness exposure, and any medicine taken. Follow label directions and check with a pharmacist if you have another condition or take regular treatment. Arrange medical advice for a first severe headache, a persistent new pattern, or pain that keeps returning.

Get emergency help for sudden maximal pain, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, fainting, seizure, confusion, vision loss, stiff neck with fever, repeated vomiting, or a severe headache after head injury. Seek prompt care for headache with dehydration, heat illness, unusual bleeding or a rapidly worsening illness. Do not drive yourself if you feel confused or faint.

Ask whether the headache pattern suggests an underlying infection, fluid problem, sinus condition or another cause, and whether examination or testing is needed. Ask which pain medicines are suitable and which warning signs should prompt emergency care.