Introduction​

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Headaches are very common and, in most cases, are not a sign of anything serious. Many people experience headaches from time to time due to everyday factors such as stress, tiredness, dehydration or illness.

This page explains how to manage headaches at home, possible causes, and when it is important to seek further medical advice.​

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Common symptoms of a Headache

Headaches can feel different from person to person. They may be:
 

• a dull or aching pain

• a tight or pressing sensation

• a throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
   

Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, and sometimes longer. Some people may also experience:
 

• sensitivity to light or noise

• nausea or vomiting

• tension in the neck or shoulders
   

Common Causes of a Headache

Headaches can be triggered by many everyday factors, including:
 

• colds or flu

• stress or anxiety

• dehydration

• poor posture

• eye strain or vision problems

• skipping meals

• alcohol

• hormonal changes, including periods or menopause

• taking pain relief too frequently
   

Keeping a simple headache diary can help identify patterns or triggers, such as sleep, stress, food or screen use.
 

Looking after yourself at home​

Many headaches improve with simple self-care.

What can help
 

• Drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration is a common cause

• Rest in a quiet, calm environment

• Try to relax, stress and tension can make headaches worse

• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed, following the instructions

• If you also have a temperature or feel unwell, rest at home until you feel better
   

Things to avoid
 

• Avoid alcohol while you have a headache

• Try not to skip meals, even if your appetite is reduced

• Avoid sleeping much longer than usual, as this can sometimes worsen symptoms

• Limit prolonged screen use or eye strain where possible

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When to seek further advice​

Contact your GP if:
 

• your headaches keep returning

• pain relief does not help or headaches are getting worse

• you have a strong throbbing pain on one side or the front of your head

• you feel sick or sensitive to light or noise

• headaches regularly occur around your menstrual cycle
   

These symptoms may suggest migraine or another headache type that can benefit from medical assessment.
 

Get urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111 if:
 

• you or your child have a severe headache along with:

  • jaw pain when eating

  • blurred or double vision

  • a painful or tender scalp

  • weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
     

Also seek urgent advice if a child under 12 has:
 

• headaches that wake them at night

• headaches present on waking in the morning

• headaches that are getting progressively worse

• headaches triggered by coughing, sneezing or bending

• headaches with repeated vomiting

• a squint or difficulty looking upward
   

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child:
 

• have had a recent head injury

• develop a sudden, extremely severe headache

• experience problems speaking or understanding speech

• lose vision

• become drowsy, confused or difficult to wake

• have a very high temperature with symptoms of meningitis

• have redness in the white part of the eye with severe pain
   

For children under 12, seek emergency help if there are:

• vision problems

• difficulty walking, balancing or swallowing

• ongoing drowsiness or loss of energy

• a headache starting within 5 days of a head injury
   

If emergency care is needed, do not drive yourself, call 999 or ask someone to help.
 

Community Medics note

Most headaches are not serious and improve with rest, hydration and simple pain relief. However, sudden or severe headaches should never be ignored, if something feels unusual or concerning, seek medical advice promptly.

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