Headache

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or face. It can feel like dull pressure, a tight band, throbbing, or sharp pain, and may affect one side or the whole head. Headaches arise from pain-sensitive structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and muscles around the skull, rather than from the brain tissue itself.

Headaches are extremely common, and almost everyone experiences one at some point. Occasional headaches linked to stress, tiredness, dehydration, or a missed meal are usually normal and harmless. Most settle within hours and do not signal a serious problem. Frequent or worsening headaches, however, are worth discussing with a doctor.

Most headaches are tension-type, often linked to stress, poor posture, tiredness, or muscle strain in the neck and shoulders. Other frequent causes include dehydration, skipped meals, eye strain, too much screen time, alcohol, and certain foods. Migraines, sinus congestion, and minor infections like colds can also bring on head pain.

Rarely, a headache points to a more serious cause, such as very high blood pressure, infection, or a problem affecting the brain or its blood vessels. These cases are uncommon and usually come with warning signs like sudden severe pain, fever, confusion, weakness, or vision changes. Most headaches are not dangerous, but new or unusual patterns should be checked.

A doctor usually identifies the cause by asking about your symptoms, their timing, location, triggers, and any other health issues, then performing a physical and neurological examination. Most headaches need no tests. Scans or blood tests are reserved for unusual patterns or warning signs, helping to rule out less common underlying conditions when necessary.

Many headaches improve with rest, hydration, regular meals, fresh air, and reducing stress or screen time. Keeping a headache diary can reveal triggers to avoid. When pain relief is needed, follow a pharmacist's or doctor's guidance. Frequent or migraine headaches may benefit from specific medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments arranged with a clinician.

Seek emergency help immediately if a headache comes on suddenly and feels the worst you have ever had, or if it follows a head injury. Other red flags include a stiff neck with fever, confusion, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, seizures, or sudden vision loss. In these situations, contact your local emergency services without delay.

Make a non-urgent appointment if headaches become more frequent or severe, wake you from sleep, do not respond to usual care, or are new for you over age 50. Also see a doctor if they interfere with daily life or come with other ongoing symptoms. A clinician can assess the pattern and recommend appropriate care.