Overview
Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.
How you can ease headaches yourself
Headaches can last 30 minutes, several hours, or sometimes several days.
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drink plenty of water
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get plenty of rest if you also have a cold or the flu
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try to relax - stress can make headaches worse
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen
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try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you also have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
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do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)
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do not sleep more than you usually would - it can make the headache worse
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do not strain your eyes for a long time - for example, by looking at a screen
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do not drink alcohol
When and where to get medical help
Most headaches are not serious but sometimes you may need medical help.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you've tried treating a headache yourself and it's not getting better or is getting worse
- you regularly get headaches
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you or a child has a headache and vision or eye problems
- you or a child has a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercising
- you or a child has a headache and is being sick (vomiting)
- a child has a headache that's getting worse or wakes them at night
- you have a headache and jaw pain when eating or a sore or tender scalp
- you or a child has any other symptoms you're worried about
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You or a child has a headache and:
- has had a seizure (fit)
- has numbness or weakness in the body or face
- it started suddenly and is extremely painful
- has had a head injury within the last 3 months - for example, from a fall or accident
- are finding it difficult to speak, balance, walk or remember things
- are drowsy or confused
- has loss of vision
- has a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
- has a very high temperature, a stiff neck, or bright lights are bothering you
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
What can cause headaches
Common causes of headaches include:
- having a cold or flu
- stress
- drinking too much alcohol
- bad posture
- eyesight problems
- not eating regular meals
- not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- taking too many painkillers
- having your period or during menopause (hormone headache)
Keeping a headache diary might help you work out what triggers your headaches.
Severe headaches can sometimes be caused by a migraine or cluster headache.
The Migraine Trust has advice about what to record in a headache diary
Page last reviewed: 17 April 2024
Next review due: 17 April 2027
Information sourced from the NHS. If you have concerns about your medication or symptoms, pop in or call Hedon Pharmacy - we're here to help.
Read on nhs.uk