NHS says 'call 999' if your headache has these symptoms with it
Headaches can be caused by a number of different things, but most are not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers or other self-care
The NHS has provided guidance on when a headache should prompt you to seek urgent medical attention. While most headaches are merely an annoyance and will dissipate within hours, or at most a few days, some may require more immediate attention.
If you're suffering from a headache, the NHS recommends drinking plenty of water, getting ample rest if you have a cold or flu, trying to relax as stress can exacerbate headaches, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you also have a high temperature, it's advisable to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
The NHS advises against drinking alcohol, skipping meals, oversleeping, or straining your eyes when you have a headache, as these actions can worsen the condition, reports Wales Online.
When to see a GP if you have a headache
The NHS advises seeing a GP if:
- your headache keeps coming back
- painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse
- you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache
- you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful
When to get an urgent GP appointment or call 111
It's more urgent if you or your child has a severe headache and:
- jaw pain when eating
- blurred or double vision
- a sore scalp
- other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
The NHS also advises getting an urgent GP appointment or calling 111 if your child is under 12 and has any one of the following:
- a headache that wakes them at night
- a headache when they wake up in the morning
- a headache that gets progressively worse
- a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down
- a headache with vomiting
- a headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
When to call 999 or go to A&E if you have a headache
- If you or your child has a head injury – for example, from a fall or accident
- If you or your child has a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
You or your child has an extremely painful headache and
- sudden problems speaking or remembering things
- loss of vision
- feel drowsy or confused
- has a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis
- the white part of the eye is red
Also call 999 or go to AandE if your child is under 12 and has any one of the following:
- a headache with vision problems or difficulty speaking, swallowing, balancing or walking
- a headache with drowsiness or a persistent lack of energy
- a headache that starts within 5 days of a head injury
The NHS advises against driving to A&E. Instead, ask someone else to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance. Be sure to bring any medicines you take with you.
