Headaches
Headaches
To help ease a headache, drink plenty of water, try to rest and relax, and take paracetamol and ibuprofen if you need to.
Common causes of headaches include having a cold or the flu, stress, drinking too much alcohol and eyesight problems.
Headaches can last between 30 minutes and several hours.
Do
drink plenty of water
get plenty of rest if you have a cold or the flu
try to relax – stress can make headaches worse
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
Don't
do not drink alcohol
do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)
do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse
do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen
See a GP if:
- your headache keeps coming back
- painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse
- you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache
- you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful
Get advice from 111 now if:
You have a severe headache and:
- your jaw hurts when eating
- blurred or double vision
- your scalp feels sore
- you get other symptoms – for example, your arms or legs feel numb or weak
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you injured or hit your head badly – for example, from a fall or accident
- a headache came on suddenly and is extremely painful
You have an extremely painful headache and:
- sudden problems speaking or remembering things
- loss of vision
- you're feeling drowsy or confused
- you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have a stiff neck or a rash
- the white part of your eye is red
The most common reasons are:
- having a cold or the flu
- stress
- drinking too much alcohol
- bad posture
- eyesight problems
- not eating regular meals
- not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- taking too many painkillers
- women having their period or menopause
Page last reviewed: 09-02-2021
Next review due:09-02-2024
