All You Need to Know

• What causes my headaches?

  The most common reasons for having a headache are:

  • Having a cold or flu
  • Stress
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Bad posture
  • Eyesight problems
  • Not eating regular meals
  • Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
  • Taking too many painkillers
  • Having your period.

• What is a migraine?

  Migraines are a common type of primary headache and you might feel a throbbing pain on one side of the head.

  Sometimes there are warning signs, called an aura, before you have a migraine. These can include problems with your sight and flashing lights, or feeling dizzy. These warning signs should not last more than an hour.

  Migraines can last anything between two hours and three days and some people have them more regularly than others. They can have a serious effect on your ability to do everyday tasks and you might need to lie in a darkened room until the worst of the symptoms pass.

  If your migraines are getting worse, or you're having them more than once a week, you should see a GP.

  Migraines can normally be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, although your GP might recommend lifestyle changes, such as drinking less caffeine.

• How can I treat a headache?

  Headaches might last no longer than 30 minutes, or they could take several hours to disappear. There are several ways you can help avoid headaches, or make the symptoms better:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen - check with a trusted adult how many you are allowed to take.
  • Try to relax and avoid stress
  • Eat meals regularly and do not skip meals, even if you don’t feel like eating
  • Don't drink alcohol when you have a headache
  • Do not sleep more than you usually would, as this could make the headache worse
  • Do not strain your eyes for a long period of time, for example by looking at a screen
  • If school or work is making you feel stressed, ask for help from your school or employer.

• Do I need to see my doctor?

  Most headaches will disappear without the need for further advice, but if your headache keeps coming back, you should speak to a GP.

  You could also get your eye sight checked at an opticians.

  If you experience a cluster headache - where you have a sharp pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye - or a severe migraine, you should also see a GP.