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Headaches

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.

Do

  • drink plenty of water

  • get plenty of rest if you also have a cold or the flu

  • try to relax – stress can make headaches worse

  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen

  • 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

Don’t

  • 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

  • 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
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

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