Headache

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Basics

  • A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or neck region.

Common causes

  • Tension-type headaches from stress or muscle tension.

  • Migraines, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.

  • Sinus headaches due to sinus congestion or infection.

  • Dehydration, lack of sleep, or certain foods and drinks.

When it's okay to monitor symptoms

  • If headaches are occasional or related to specific triggers like lack of sleep or drinking alcohol.

  • When they improve with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter pain relievers.

When to talk to a doctor

  • Headaches that don’t go away after a couple days or are getting worse.

  • Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms like visual disturbances.

  • If headaches interfere with daily activities or are severe.

When to seek emergency care

  • Temperature of 102F or 39C despite taking fever reducing medications.

  • When associated with fever and difficulty bringing chin to chest.

  • Sudden onset worst headache of life (if pain is maximum within 1 minute of onset)

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications

  • Rest and stay hydrated.

  • Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen)