Headaches: common causes and when to get help

What usually causes a headache

The NHS lists common causes as a cold or flu, stress, drinking too much alcohol, bad posture, eyesight problems, not eating regular meals, not drinking enough fluids, taking too many painkillers, and hormone changes around periods or the menopause.

Tension headaches are very common. They feel like pressure or tightness on both sides of the head, face or neck, last at least 30 minutes and sometimes several days, and are often linked to stress, poor sleep or caffeine. They are not a sign of an underlying condition. A throbbing pain on one side, with feeling sick and finding light or noise painful, may be a different type, such as migraine.

What you can do at home

• Drink plenty of water. In the UAE heat, it is easy to run short.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you are pregnant, paracetamol is the first choice and a pharmacist can advise. Children under 16 should not take aspirin.
• Try to relax. Exercise, yoga and massage can help with tension headaches.
• Do not skip meals, do not sleep much more than usual, and take breaks from screens.
• Avoid alcohol, and cut down on tea, coffee and cola if caffeine may be a trigger.

Taking painkillers for headaches too often or for a long time can itself cause headaches, known as overuse or rebound headaches.

When a video consultation suits it

See a doctor if you regularly get headaches, they happen several times a week, they are severe, or painkillers and relaxation do not help. Headaches are a good fit for a first conversation by video, and the DHA telehealth standard lists headache and migraine among the common conditions for teleprescribing, where the doctor judges it suitable.

A headache diary makes the call far more useful. Note how often headaches happen and how long they last, how painful they are, any other symptoms, possible triggers, and which medicines you took and how often.

When you need to be seen quickly

Get an urgent appointment the same day if a headache comes with vision or eye problems, is triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending or exercise, comes with vomiting, or comes with jaw pain when eating or a sore, tender scalp. In a child, also get urgent advice for a headache that is getting worse or wakes them at night. These may need an examination in person.

Signs that need 998

Call 998 or go to an emergency department if a headache started suddenly and is extremely painful, or comes with a seizure, numbness or weakness in the body or face, difficulty speaking, balancing, walking or remembering, drowsiness or confusion, loss of vision, a very high temperature with a stiff neck or sensitivity to light, or a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it. Also call 998 for a headache after a head injury in the last 3 months. Do not drive yourself.

Which doctor to see

A general practitioner or family medicine doctor can help with most headaches. If they are frequent or severe, or treatment has not helped, a neurologist may be the next step. Doctors on medicAI work for independent clinics and hospitals licensed by DHA or DoH, which are responsible for your care. If stress seems to be the trigger, our page on anxiety and stress may help.