Strong headache: what to know

Headache pain may feel throbbing, pressing, stabbing, or tight, and it can affect one or both sides. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, a viral illness such as a common cold or COVID-19, sinus inflammation, missed meals, poor sleep, stress, or migraine can all contribute. A headache itself does not establish one diagnosis.

The pattern matters: note when it began, how quickly it reached its strongest point, where it hurts, and whether light, movement, vomiting, fever, congestion, weakness, or vision changes accompany it. Repeated headaches or a changing pattern deserve a clinical review.

Rest in a quiet, cool place, drink fluids if you can, eat a light meal if you have missed one, and reduce screen or bright-light exposure. Follow the label for any suitable pain medicine and avoid taking repeated doses more often than directed. Keep a brief symptom record, including possible heat exposure, illness, sleep changes, and medicines used.

Arrange a medical appointment when headaches recur, disrupt normal activities, require frequent pain medicine, or occur with persistent nasal symptoms. A clinician can examine you and decide whether further assessment is needed.

Seek emergency care for a headache that reaches maximum intensity suddenly, follows a head injury, or occurs with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, severe neck stiffness, repeated vomiting, or new vision loss. Get prompt help for severe headache with a high fever, a widespread rash, marked dehydration, or feeling seriously unwell.

Tell your clinician the start time, duration, location, intensity, associated symptoms, recent illness, heat exposure, fluid intake, sleep, and medicines. Ask which pain medicines are appropriate for you, how often they may be used, and what change in your pattern should trigger reassessment.