Head
Headache
Pain anywhere in the head — from a tight band of tension to a throbbing migraine or sinus pressure — which is usually harmless and self-limiting, but very occasionally is the first sign of a serious problem such as meningitis, a stroke or bleeding around the brain.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of headache and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is headache?
Almost everyone gets headaches, and the great majority are primary headaches — meaning the headache itself is the problem rather than a sign of disease elsewhere. The two commonest are tension-type headache, felt as a tight band or pressure around the head, and migraine, which is typically one-sided, throbbing and accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity or visual disturbance.
- Get urgent help: Call 999 for a sudden, severe headache that reaches its worst within seconds or minutes — the so-called thunderclap headache. Call 999 if a headache comes with face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech — these are signs of a stroke.
- Self-care: For ordinary tension headaches and many migraines, simple self-care helps: rest in a quiet, dimly lit room, drink water as dehydration is a common trigger, and take regular breaks from screens and prolonged desk posture to relax the neck and shoulders.
About headache
Almost everyone gets headaches, and the great majority are primary headaches — meaning the headache itself is the problem rather than a sign of disease elsewhere. The two commonest are tension-type headache, felt as a tight band or pressure around the head, and migraine, which is typically one-sided, throbbing and accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity or visual disturbance. Other headaches are secondary, arising from another cause such as a sinus infection, a medication, dehydration or, rarely, a dangerous condition. The features that matter most are how the headache started and what comes with it: a headache that reaches full intensity within seconds, the worst headache of someone's life, or a headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or weakness needs urgent attention. Most headaches, though, settle with rest, fluids and simple measures.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if headache comes with any of these warning signs:
- Call 999 for a sudden, severe headache that reaches its worst within seconds or minutes — the so-called thunderclap headache.
- Call 999 if a headache comes with face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech — these are signs of a stroke.
- Call 999 or seek emergency help for a headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or a fit — these can mean meningitis.
- Seek urgent help for a new severe headache after a head injury, or one that worsens steadily over days with vomiting.
- Seek urgent help for a new headache with vision loss or a tender, painful scalp in someone over 50.
When to see a doctor
Most headaches do not need a doctor, but you should seek urgent or emergency help for any headache that is sudden and severe, comes with neurological signs such as weakness or confusion, or is accompanied by fever and a stiff neck. Arrange a routine appointment if headaches are becoming more frequent or severe, are waking you at night, are not responding to simple measures, or are interfering with daily life. A headache that always comes on one side, or that changes its usual pattern, also deserves review so the cause can be confirmed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of headache
Headache has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For ordinary tension headaches and many migraines, simple self-care helps: rest in a quiet, dimly lit room, drink water as dehydration is a common trigger, and take regular breaks from screens and prolonged desk posture to relax the neck and shoulders. A cool cloth on the forehead, gentle neck stretches and a regular sleep, meal and caffeine routine all reduce how often headaches strike. Keeping a headache diary helps you and your clinician spot triggers such as missed meals, poor sleep, alcohol or stress. If you find yourself reaching for pain relief on most days, mention this to a pharmacist or doctor, as frequent use can itself perpetuate headaches.
Answers
Headache: frequently asked questions
When is a headache an emergency?
Go straight for emergency help if a headache is sudden and explosive, follows a head injury, or comes with fever and a stiff neck, a rash, confusion, a fit, or weakness or speech problems. These can signal bleeding around the brain, meningitis or a stroke.
How do I know if my headache is a migraine?
Migraine is typically a throbbing, often one-sided headache with nausea and dislike of light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances beforehand. A diary of your attacks and triggers helps a clinician confirm it.
Can dehydration and screens cause headaches?
Yes. Not drinking enough, missing meals, poor sleep, and long periods at a screen with a tense neck are all common triggers for tension-type headaches and can set off migraines.
Why do I get a headache nearly every day?
Daily headaches can come from stress, poor sleep or neck tension, but very frequent use of pain relief can itself cause a rebound, medication-overuse headache. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you are taking pain relief on most days.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Headache - assessment.
- The Migraine Trust: types of migraine.
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