Headaches
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What causes headaches?
Headaches can be triggered by various factors, and identifying the cause can help manage and prevent them. Some come on suddenly, while others build gradually. Understanding potential triggers can also help you understand how to find relief.
Keeping a headache diary may help if you're unsure of the cause. Tracking when they occur, how they feel, and possible triggers like stress, food, or routine changes can be useful. This information can help your GP identify patterns and suggest treatment or advice.
Some common causes of headaches include:
- Colds or flu – headaches often accompany common illnesses like colds, flu or sinus infections
- Everyday stress – tension can tighten neck, shoulder, and head muscles, causing headaches
- Drinking too much alcohol – alcohol can dehydrate your body and trigger a 'hangover headache'
- Bad posture – Sitting awkwardly can strain neck and shoulder muscles, leading to tension headaches.
- Eyesight problems – uncorrected vision problems can lead to eye strain, which may cause headaches
- Skipping meals – not eating regularly can cause a dip in blood sugar levels, leading to a headache
- Dehydration – not drinking enough water throughout the day can trigger headaches
- Hormonal changes, like periods, pregnancy or menopause can trigger headaches
What are the most common types of headaches?
Headaches vary based on factors like pain location. They may affect both sides of the head or be concentrated in one area. Identifying the location and sensation can help determine the type. They are generally grouped into primary and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches
Primary headaches are the most common type and are considered a health condition. They aren't caused by another illness or medical issue, the headache itself is the main concern. The main types of primary headaches can include the following.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often described as a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head. It can feel like a tight band wrapped around your head or pressure on the top of it.
Symptoms of tension headaches can include:
- A steady, aching pain (not throbbing) on both sides of the head
- A feeling of pressure or tightness around the head or neck
- Usually mild to moderate in intensity
Migraines are more severe than tension headaches and can significantly impact daily life. They often cause a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head and are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people can experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness or visual disturbances just before the headache episode. Migraines can last for hours or even days and may require medical treatment. We’ve put together a guide on migraines so you can learn more.
Cluster headaches are rare but can be very painful. The headache episodes happen in 'clusters', recurring for weeks or months before a period of remission. Unlike migraines, cluster headaches happen in shorter episodes that are more intense, often causing severe pain around one eye.
Symptoms of cluster headaches can include:
- Sudden, severe pain around or behind one eye that is sharp and stabbing in quality
- Watery, red eyes or a blocked or runny nose on the same side as the pain
- Restlessness – people often find it hard to stay still during an episode
The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but research is ongoing to help us get a better understanding of the possible causes.
Secondary headaches
Unlike primary headaches, secondary headaches are a symptom of another health condition. The pain is caused by an underlying issue rather than being the main concern itself.
Causes of secondary headaches can include:
- Infection – illnesses like the flu, sinus infections or ear infections
- Sleep apnoea – a condition causing breathing interruptions during sleep, lowering brain oxygen and triggering headaches
- Head injury or concussion
Some headaches are linked to other conditions like temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are problems with the jaw muscles or joints that can cause pain that spreads to the head. If your GP suspects a serious underlying condition causing headaches, they may recommend blood tests, brain scans or other diagnostic tests to help identify the cause.
Hormonal changes, like those experienced during periods, pregnancy, menopause or while taking the contraceptive pill, can trigger headaches for some people. If you are experiencing headaches due to contraceptive pills, make sure you speak to your GP.
A healthy lifestyle like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, and reducing everyday stress may help reduce the chance of headaches.
If you’re unsure about your headache symptoms, they’re affecting your daily life or you’re concerned in any way, it’s important to speak to a GP or pharmacist. They can help identify the type of headache you’re experiencing and offer a suitable treatment to help you feel better.
How do different types of headaches get diagnosed?
Your GP may start the diagnostic process by understanding your symptoms and identifying possible triggers. Here’s what to expect:
They might ask about:
- When your headaches started – did they come on suddenly or gradually?
- How long they last – minutes, hours or days?
- The type of pain – is it a dull ache, sharp pain or throbbing sensation?
- The location of the pain – is it on one side or both?
- What makes them worse or better – are they triggered by everyday stress, food or bright lights?
- Other symptoms – like nausea, visual disturbances or sensitivity to light and sound
This conversation can often provide important clues for diagnosis. Your description can help your GP to understand whether you’re dealing with a tension headache, migraine, cluster headache or something else.
To help make it easier for healthcare professionals to identify patterns, you might be asked to keep a headache diary for a few weeks. This can help track:
- When your headaches happen
- How severe they are (mild, moderate or severe)
- How long do they last
- What you were doing beforehand (like eating certain foods, exercising or being exposed to bright lights)
- Any other symptoms you may have experienced alongside the headache
In some cases, a GP can diagnose headaches based on your symptoms and history. However, if there’s any doubt about the cause of your headaches, you may be referred for further diagnostic tests or to a headache clinic or a specialist. If a secondary cause is suspected, you might have additional tests like:
- Blood tests to help rule out infections or other health issues
- Imaging tests, such as a CT scan (Computed Tomography) or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Managing & treating headaches
Headaches can be frustrating and disruptive, but there are ways to help ease symptoms to feel more comfortable. While most headaches will go away on their own, a few self-care strategies can make a difference. The key is to listen to your body, make small adjustments, and avoid habits that could make things worse. If you’re dealing with a headache, these steps can help ease the pain:
Do’s
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches, so sip water throughout the day
- Get some rest. Especially if your headache is linked to a cold, flu, or fever, rest can help your body recover
- Try to relax. Everyday stress can worsen headaches, try deep breathing, meditation, or stretching
- Consider pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Ask a pharmacist if unsure, and always read the label.
Don’ts
Certain habits can make a headache worse, so try to avoid the following:
- Drinking alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate you, which may trigger or worsen headaches
- Skipping meals
- Oversleeping or poor sleep can make headaches worse, so find a sleep routine that works for you
- Staring at screens for too long. Take regular breaks to help avoid eye strain
Different headaches may need different treatments, so it’s helpful to know what type of headache you are likely to have.
For tension headaches, you can:
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen if they’re suitable for you. Make sure to read the label
- Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
- Practise good posture to help reduce muscle tension in your neck, shoulders and back
For migraines, you can:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room to avoid light and sound triggers
- Use a cold compress or an ice pack on your forehead or neck
If over-the-counter medication isn’t working, a GP may prescribe prescription-only medicines.
Cluster headaches are more intense and may need specialist treatment. You should speak to your GP, who can prescribe treatments to help you or refer you to a specialist. If your headaches keep coming back or affect your daily life, a GP or a specialist can offer you treatment options to help you feel more in control.
If you’re ever unsure, make sure to reach out for support. You can speak to a pharmacist, GP or use the NHS 111 service.
When should I speak to the GP?
If you have recurring headaches, if they feel different from usual, worsen over time, or affect your daily life, speak to your GP. If you're unsure, call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 online service for advice on what to do next.
In rare cases, a headache may be a medical emergency. Seek help immediately if you or your child experience sudden, severe pain, confusion, vision changes, or other worrying symptoms.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you or call 999 for an ambulance. Bring any medications you or your child are taking to help the medical staff. If you're unsure how urgent your symptoms are, call NHS 111 for guidance. It’s always best to ask for advice early for peace of mind.
You should book an appointment with a GP if:
- Your headaches are frequent
- Over-the-counter pain relief medication isn’t working
- You have a throbbing pain – especially if it’s focused on one side of your head. This could be a sign of a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache
- You are sensitive to light or noise
- Your headaches are linked to your period – some headaches are triggered by hormonal changes
Call NHS 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if you or your child has a severe headache with:
- Jaw pain when eating
- Blurred or double vision
- A sore scalp
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
For children under 12, make sure to seek urgent advice if they have a headache:
- That wakes them up at night
- First thing in the morning
- That’s getting worse over time
- That worsens with coughing, sneezing or bending
- With vomiting
- With eye issues like eyes pointing in different directions (a squint) or trouble looking upwards
Call 999 for children under 12 if they have:
- A headache with vision problems – like blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- A headache with difficulty speaking, walking, swallowing or balancing
- A headache with drowsiness or extreme tiredness – if your child seems unusually tired or difficult to wake
- A headache that starts within five days of a head injury – even if the injury seemed minor
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has:
- A headache that has come on within 5 days of a head injury, from a fall or accident.
- A sudden, severe headache – sometimes called a ‘thunderclap’ headache because it comes on suddenly and is extremely painful
Call 999 if you or your child has an extremely painful headache along with:
- Sudden problems speaking or remembering things – this could be a sign of a stroke
- Loss of vision – if your child suddenly can't see properly, it’s important to act fast
- Drowsiness or confusion – sudden confusion can be a warning sign of something serious
- A very high temperature with symptoms of meningitis – like a stiff neck, sensitivity to light or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
- Redness in the white part of the eye
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Frequently asked questions
Daily headaches can happen for a variety of reasons, and while the exact cause isn’t always clear, several common triggers could be at play. We’ve covered the causes of headaches in the ‘Causes of headaches’ section of the page.
It’s important to see a GP if your daily headaches:
- Are persistent and/or are getting progressively worse
- Don’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief medicines or need regular pain relief medicines
- Are linked with other symptoms like blurred vision, jaw pain or numbness
A GP can help identify the type of headache you’re experiencing, explore possible triggers, and create a treatment plan to help reduce their impact on your daily life. They may also arrange for further investigations or refer you to a specialist.
Make sure to call 999 or go to A&E if you suddenly develop a severe headache, especially if it’s combined with confusion, drowsiness, difficulty speaking or loss of vision.
If you’ve got a headache, there are steps you can try to help ease the discomfort. We’ve covered these in the ‘Managing headaches’ section of the page. If your headaches keep coming back, get worse over time, last a long time or affect your daily life, make sure to speak to a GP. They can help identify possible causes and suggest treatments to manage them.
Headaches can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness. Common health conditions that may trigger headaches include:
- Colds and flu
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Ear infections
- Hormonal changes
- Eye strain
- Sleep disorders
We’ve covered more causes in the ‘What causes headaches?’ section of the page. In rare cases, headaches could signal something more serious. If your headaches keep coming back, get worse over time or you notice other unusual symptoms (like vision changes or confusion), it’s important to speak to a GP. They can help work out the cause and offer the right support.
There aren’t necessarily ‘top’ causes of headaches, but there are some common triggers that affect many people. We’ve covered more of these in the ‘Causes of headaches’ section of the page. Other possible triggers include missing meals, certain foods and drinks (like caffeine or alcohol), or too much screen time. If your headaches keep coming back or start affecting your daily life, it’s important to speak to your GP for advice and support.
While most headaches aren’t a cause for concern, there are some warning signs that mean you should seek urgent medical help. These include:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Headache with confusion, drowsiness or fainting
- Headache after a head injury
- Headache with vision problems
- Headache with numbness, weakness or difficulty speaking
- Headache that wakes you up or is worse in the morning
- Headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck
If you or your child experience any of these red flags, make sure to call 999 or go to A&E.
Migraine is a type of headache that isn’t caused by another condition such as a cold or flu, and it has characteristic symptoms. Typical headaches usually cause a dull, aching discomfort or tight pressure on both sides of the head. They’re often triggered by stressful feelings, dehydration or muscle tension. They tend to last for a few hours and don't typically come with other symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines, on the other hand, can cause intense, throbbing pain, which is often on one side of the head. Migraines can last for hours or days and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound or smell. Some people also experience visual disturbances called 'auras' before a migraine begins. We’ve put together a guide on migraines if you want to learn more.
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27The NHS Blood Pressure Check Service is for adults aged 40 years and over who do not currently have a diagnosis of hypertension, for adults under 40 years of age who have a recognised family history of hypertension may be tested at the discretion of the pharmacist, and adults who have been referred by their GP. In stores in England only. Subject to availability.
