Headache

Headache is a symptom with many possible causes, from a primary headache disorder to illness, medication effects, or injury. The pattern and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide whether assessment is needed.

Seek emergency care now for a sudden, extremely severe headache, a headache after a serious head injury, or headache with new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, vision loss, or difficulty speaking.

Common patterns

Tension-type headaches are often described as pressure or a tight band on both sides. Migraine commonly involves moderate-to-severe throbbing pain, sometimes on one side, and may include nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. These patterns can overlap; a description alone cannot confirm the cause.

What to keep track of

A brief headache diary can help a healthcare professional understand frequency, duration, severity, associated symptoms, medicines used, and possible patterns such as sleep disruption or missed meals. Do not use a diary to delay care for a new, severe, or rapidly worsening headache.

When to seek non-emergency advice

Arrange medical advice if headaches keep returning, are getting worse, interfere with daily activities, change from your usual pattern, or require frequent pain medicine. A clinician can assess possible causes and discuss appropriate options based on your health history.