Headaches
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-22. See how we check.
Most headaches are short-lived and linked to things like dehydration, tiredness, stress, or skipped meals, and settle with rest, fluids, and a standard painkiller. A headache that is sudden and severe, comes with a fever and stiff neck, or follows a head injury needs urgent attention.
Overview
A headache is pain or discomfort anywhere in the head, scalp, or neck. Most are what's called "primary" headaches — tension-type headaches and migraines are the most common — and aren't caused by an underlying illness.
Common triggers include dehydration, poor sleep, missed meals, eye strain, stress, alcohol, and, in some people, certain foods or hormonal changes.
What may help
- Drink water — dehydration is one of the most common triggers
- Rest somewhere quiet and dark if light or noise makes it worse
- A standard over-the-counter painkiller, taken as directed on the packet
- Regular meals, sleep, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol if these seem to trigger headaches
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Headaches that keep coming back or are getting more frequent
- A headache that doesn't ease with usual painkillers
- Headaches that started after starting a new medication
- You're needing painkillers for headaches most days — this can itself cause more headaches
When it could be an emergency
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before ("thunderclap" headache)
- Headache with a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, or sensitivity to light
- Headache after a head injury, or with slurred speech, weakness, or vision loss
- A new headache in pregnancy, or in someone over 50 with no history of headaches
If any of these apply, don't wait — check Red Flags for your country's emergency number, or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Headaches" in the appCommon questions
Are headaches and migraines the same thing?
No. Migraine is a specific type of headache, usually more intense, often one-sided, and frequently accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. See our separate migraine guide for more.
Can I take painkillers every day for headaches?
Taking painkillers too often can itself cause "medication-overuse headaches." If you're needing them most days, it's worth discussing with a pharmacist or GP.
When should a child's headache be checked by a doctor?
If it's severe, keeps recurring, wakes them from sleep, or comes with vomiting, vision changes, or drowsiness, get it checked promptly.
Read more on the NHS website →
General information only, last checked 2026-09-22 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. Content is checked against current published guidance from official public health sources — see how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.