Headaches - quick guide

Mar 19

Headache is a really common symptom. Most people get headaches. It is important to know when to be more concerned and seek medical attention.

Essentially if there is a change in the headaches you experience this can be a sign that there could be a more serious cause and you should get checked out. For example:

you often get headaches roughly once a month but are now getting them most weeks
the severity of your headache has changed significantly

Some specifics to look out for:

You are over 50 and are having a different sort of headache (new to you) - e.g you have always suffered with dull headaches but they are now sharp in nature and more confined to one area.
Headache that came on suddenly and was at its most painful within 5 minutes (sometimes described as a thunderclap headache).
Headache going on for a long time (e.g more than 24 hours), is worsening (and not responding to simple painkillers) or has changed significantly from previous headaches.
A significant headache associated with other symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, confusion or drowsiness.
A bad headache when you have other medical conditions that cause your immune system to be impaired.
If you are pregnant headaches can be a sign of pre-eclampsia - best to get checked over by a doctor or midwife.

Simple things to do if you have a headache:

Take simple pain killers - paracetamol or ibuprofen (medical history allowing)
Take a break from your screen
Make sure you are well hydrated
Try some deep breathing exercises and gentle neck/head massage
Avoid caffeine

If you have a new headache that seems to be coming and going or has been prolonged it is worth keeping a headache diary so that you can give any medical professionals that you see all the information they need.

This page from the migraine trust is informative and has a free headache diary download -

https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/keeping-a-migraine-diary/

More information:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150/resources/headaches-pdf-243935625157

https://patient.info/brain-nerves/headache-leaflet

Headaches information correct and up-to-date at the time of writing. This is not an exhaustive list of concerning features of headaches.

If you have any concerns, reach out for medical advice from your GP or NHS 111.