Too much headache

Too much headache should be assessed by its pattern, triggers, associated symptoms, and any sudden or unusual change. Record when pain starts, where it is felt, how long it lasts, and what improves or worsens it. Repeated headaches can have several explanations, so the symptom pattern is more useful than a label alone.

Tightness around the head can occur with muscle tension, poor sleep, eye strain, or stress. Thirst, dark urine, heat exposure, vomiting, or diarrhoea may accompany Dehydration or Heat Exhaustion. A blocked or runny nose may occur with Allergic Rhinitis, Common Cold, or Chronic Sinusitis. Fever and body aches can accompany COVID-19 or Dengue Fever. Anxiety can intensify pain and muscle tension. A headache does not by itself establish any one condition; the accompanying features and examination guide the next step.

Rest in a quiet, comfortably lit space and drink fluids. Eat if you have missed meals, take breaks from screens, and use gentle neck and shoulder movement if it feels comfortable. Keep a headache diary with timing, severity, sleep, food, fluids, heat exposure, menstrual timing, and medicines taken. Follow the label or clinician's advice for any pain relief, and avoid using pain medicines repeatedly without review because frequent use can maintain headaches. Arrange an appointment when headaches recur, interfere with work or sleep, or change from your usual pattern.

Seek emergency care for a sudden, extremely severe headache; headache after a significant injury; new weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, or vision loss. Get urgent medical advice for headache with a stiff neck and fever, persistent vomiting, severe eye pain, or a rapidly worsening pattern. Headache with high fever, rash, unusual bleeding, or severe muscle and joint pain also needs prompt assessment.

What features in my diary matter most? Could dehydration, sinus symptoms, infection, vision strain, or medicines be contributing? Do I need an examination or tests? Which pain relief is suitable for me, and how often may I use it?