Headaches can be caused by many things. Headaches are common and are usually not serious. Many people suffer from them at some point. The symptoms can vary: a pressing sensation, throbbing pain or a stabbing pain in one spot. Sometimes headaches go away on their own, but they can also persist or recur regularly.
There are different types of headaches, such as tension headaches, migraines or cluster headaches. Often, it is not clear exactly where the pain comes from. Factors such as stress, fatigue, poor posture, bright light or not drinking enough fluids can play a role.
In most cases, treatment is not necessary and rest, sufficient sleep or painkillers such as paracetamol will help. Sometimes it is wise to see your GP, for example if the headache suddenly feels different from what you are used to, or if you have other symptoms in addition to the headache, such as fever, neck stiffness or blurred vision.
Headaches can have many different causes. The most common type is tension headache. This is often caused by stress, fatigue, poor posture or lack of sleep. Skipping meals, not drinking enough fluids, bright lights or staring at a screen for too long can also cause headaches.
Some people experience headaches due to certain stimuli, such as bright light, strong smells, hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during menstruation), or changes in the weather. Such stimuli often play a role in migraines.
The use of medication, especially painkillers, can also cause headaches in the long term. This is called medication overuse headache.
Sometimes headaches are a sign of something else going on in the body, such as an infection, high blood pressure or a side effect of medication. They are usually harmless, but in rare cases they can indicate a serious cause.
Sometimes headaches are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Living healthily can help reduce or prevent headaches. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat regularly and drink plenty of water. Try to limit stress and take breaks, especially when working at a screen. Exercise regularly, but do not overexert yourself during a headache attack.
If you suffer from severe headaches, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol. Do not take painkillers too often: it is best not to use them more than 2 to 3 days a week. Too frequent use can actually worsen headaches. This is called medication-induced headache.
If necessary, keep a headache diary This allows you to see if there is a pattern, for example due to stress, diet or hormones. This can also help if you visit your doctor later on.
Call your GP or GP out-of-hours service immediately. in case of sudden, very severe headache and one or more of the following symptoms: stiff neck, fever, drowsiness, vomiting, red spots on the skin, paralysis, crooked mouth, difficulty speaking or seeing, or if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. Also call if you have bumped your head in the past 6 weeks.
Call your general practitioner to make an appointment. if you often have headaches, require a lot of painkillers, the advice does not help, or if the headaches are different or worse than you are used to. Please also contact us if you are concerned.
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