What should you know about headaches?

Head pain may feel tight and pressing, throbbing, one-sided or linked with facial pressure. Common cold, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, dehydration, heat exhaustion and anxiety can all occur with headache, but one symptom cannot identify the cause by itself. Note when it began, where it hurts, how severe it feels, what makes it better or worse, and whether fever, vomiting, visual change or weakness is present.

Rest in a quiet place, drink fluids if you may be dehydrated, eat if you have missed a meal and reduce bright screens for a while. Keep a brief headache diary to identify sleep, heat, stress, food or medication patterns. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed on its label and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have another condition or take regular medicines. Avoid repeatedly taking pain medicine without advice, because frequent use can maintain headaches.

Get emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, stiff neck with fever, or a new headache after a serious head injury. Arrange prompt medical review for a new pattern, steadily worsening pain, persistent vomiting, vision loss, or headache during pregnancy or with a weakened immune system.

Ask whether the pattern suggests migraine, tension or another cause, which examination is needed, how often pain medicine is safe for you, and which symptoms should trigger emergency care.