We all get headaches from time to time. While they can be debilitating, most of them are harmless. They may be caused by - or linked to - lack of sleep, hunger, tiredness, stress, or some other illness.
Stress headaches
The most common form of headache is a simple stress headache which typically appears in the centre of the forehead, or in the temples. Gentle rubbing of the afflicted area can ease the pain, as can going out for a walk and deliberately relaxing the shoulders. If a friend or family member can massage your shoulders for a few minutes, that may be all you need to ease the pain. You may find that it helps to drink a glass or two of water, and to have a light snack: for instance a crunchy apple, or a handful of almonds.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are some of the most painful types of head pain, with sharp, stabbing pains occurring without any warning. They tend to last a short time and then disappear, but may recur several times over a few days. There is a genetic tendency to cluster headaches, and they are particularly common amongst smokers. If you suffer from this kind of headache, please get a diagnosis from your GP to rule out anything more serious.
Headache after injury
It is possible to have a headache after an injury, for instance if you bump your head on a door, or fall over. If you hit your forehead, you are likely to have a large swelling which may be eased by arnica, or a cold compress; if you see a bruise developing, but feel fine other than the kind of pain you would expect, then there is probably nothing to worry about. However, if you lose consciousness even for a moment, or start vomiting after a head injury, or even if you become dizzy after the injury has taken place, please get in touch with a medical expert immediately.
Migraine
Another common form of headache which has its own page is migraine. This is a different kind of headache, usually on just one side of the head, which may be accompanied by nausea, shaky vision, intolerance to light and noise, and sometimes preceded by an aura.
General
If you regularly suffer from headaches, and there is no obvious cause, you may be suffering from some form of food intolerance. It is a good idea to keep a careful food diary - noting down everything you eat, including snacks and drinks, with the time of day, and also the times when headaches strike. While there are some obvious culprits such as alcohol, caffeine or artificial sweeteners that can cause headaches in some individuals, there are many other possibilities. If you keep note of what you eat, a pattern may emerge over several weeks. You can then experiment with cutting out certain foods to see if they make a difference.
If natural remedies do not ease your headache, there are various over-the-counter medications which may help. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise; taking one of these occasionally is unlikely to harm you. However, do read the instructions carefully, make note of any possible side effects, and never take more than the recommended maximum. If your headache continues for more than three days, please make an appointment to consult a doctor.