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)