What should you know about stress induced headache?

Tension-type headache often feels like pressure or a band around the head, with tenderness in the neck, shoulders or jaw. Stress, poor sleep, missed meals, prolonged screen use and teeth clenching can reinforce the cycle. Headache can also occur with dehydration or heat exhaustion. A blocked nose or facial pressure may accompany allergic rhinitis, a common cold or sinusitis; fever or a broader illness can have other causes, including COVID-19 or dengue fever.

Rest in a quiet place, drink fluids, eat if you have missed a meal, and gently relax your shoulders and jaw. A warm pack on tense neck muscles or a cool pack on the forehead may help. Take only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its label; frequent use can itself keep headaches going. Keep a diary of timing, severity, sleep, meals, screens, stress and associated symptoms.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, a stiff neck with fever, vision loss, or headache after a significant injury. Seek prompt care for a new persistent headache, repeated vomiting, high fever, rash, or worsening symptoms after heat exposure. Recurrent headaches may benefit from a planned assessment, especially when anxiety or sleep problems are also present.

Ask which headache pattern fits your symptoms, whether medicines or sinus problems contribute, and how to use pain relief safely. Ask which diary changes or warning signs should lead to urgent review.