Call 911 right away if:
- The worst headache of your life, or a sudden, severe headache that comes on like a thunderclap
- A headache with confusion, fainting, trouble seeing, speaking, or walking, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- A headache with a high fever and stiff neck
- A headache after a blow to the head
- A headache with a seizure, or with vomiting that isn’t clearly from a stomach bug or hangover
- A headache while a carbon monoxide alarm is sounding, or when others in the home feel sick too
What to do
- Rest in a quiet, dark room if light or noise bothers you.
- Drink water. Not drinking enough can trigger headaches.
- Use a cool or warm compress on your forehead or the back of your neck.
- Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the package directions. Taking it early often works best.
- Eat something if you’ve skipped a meal.
- Relax tight muscles by stretching your neck and shoulders, or try slow, deep breathing.
Prevention
- Get regular sleep, eat regular meals, and drink enough water.
- Limit alcohol, and keep caffeine steady (suddenly cutting back can cause headaches).
- Take breaks from screens, and manage stress.
- Keep a headache diary to spot triggers like certain foods, poor sleep, or stress.
Avoid
- Using pain medicine too often (more than a couple of days a week) can lead to more headaches. Talk with a doctor if you need it often.
- Don’t give aspirin to children or teens.
See a doctor or go to urgent care if:
- Headaches happen more often or are worse than usual
- Headaches don’t get better with over-the-counter medicine, or you need pain medicine for headaches more than a couple of days a week
- Headaches keep you from working, sleeping, or doing normal activities
- A new kind of headache starts after age 50, or you are pregnant or have a weak immune system
- Headaches wake you up or get worse when you cough, strain, or bend over