Thumping headache: what to know

Throbbing pain can occur when migraine affects the way pain signals are processed. It may come with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or a need to rest. Congestion from a cold or allergic rhinitis can create facial pressure, while dehydration, missed meals, heat, poor sleep, and stress may also contribute.

Note whether the pain is one-sided or everywhere, how quickly it built, what you were doing, and whether it follows a familiar pattern. A new or changing headache deserves medical advice even if there is no fever.

Move to a quiet, dim room and rest your eyes. Drink water, eat if you have missed a meal, and cool down if heat may be involved. A cool cloth and gentle neck relaxation may help. Use only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its label; frequent use can itself contribute to recurring headaches.

Avoid driving if pain, dizziness, or visual symptoms make it unsafe. Write down triggers, timing, associated symptoms, and anything that helped so a clinician can see the pattern.

Get emergency help for a headache that reaches maximum intensity suddenly, follows a head injury, or occurs with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, vision loss, or repeated vomiting. Seek prompt advice for a new severe headache with pregnancy, cancer, immune suppression, or a high temperature and stiff neck.

Arrange a clinical review when headaches keep returning, steadily worsen, wake you from sleep, or stop you doing normal activities. A clinician can check your nerves, medicines, hydration, and possible triggers.

Ask: Does this pattern fit migraine or another cause? What symptoms should send me to emergency care? Which pain reliever is appropriate for me? How can I prevent attacks, and should my eyes, blood pressure, or medicines be checked?