Headache
Patient education
- Notice a new or changed pattern
- Keep a brief symptom diary
- Sudden severe pain is urgent
What it is
Most headaches are tension-type or migraine and are not caused by anything dangerous. A small number are a sign of something that needs seeing quickly, and those have a particular pattern.
When to seek urgent care
It came on suddenly and severely, like a blow to the head; there is fever with a stiff neck or a rash; there is weakness, numbness, confusion, or trouble speaking or seeing; it followed a head injury; or it is worse lying down or first thing in the morning.
How it shows
Tension headache is a dull band-like pressure on both sides. Migraine is usually one-sided and throbbing, often with nausea and a dislike of light or noise.
What to do
Rest somewhere quiet, drink water, and treat it early with a simple painkiller from a pharmacist. Headaches that keep coming back deserve a proper look rather than a standing supply of painkillers, which can themselves cause headaches.
Simple painkillers do not need a prescription. A pharmacist will tell you which is suitable for you - that depends on your stomach, your kidneys, pregnancy and what else you take.
Finding a pattern
Headaches can follow poor sleep, dehydration, missed meals, stress or eye strain. Migraine may cause strong pain with nausea or sensitivity to light. Describing the pattern helps a clinician distinguish common headaches from causes that need investigation.
Record when the pain starts, how long it lasts, associated symptoms, menstrual timing where relevant, and all medicines taken. A new headache or a change from your usual pattern matters, even if a painkiller helps.
Helpful habits and when to book a visit
Try regular meals, water, consistent sleep and breaks from prolonged screen use. Ask a pharmacist which pain relief is suitable for your health conditions and pregnancy status. Using painkillers frequently can itself keep headaches going.
Book an assessment for headaches that keep returning or interfere with normal life. Seek prompt advice for pain brought on by coughing or exertion, worsening headaches in a child, eye or vision symptoms, or jaw pain with a tender scalp. Sudden extreme pain or neurological symptoms need emergency care.
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.