Headache

Common causes

• Tension-type headache, stress, poor sleep or dehydration.
• Migraine or light and sound sensitivity.
• Sinus, dental or eye strain problems.
• Fever, viral illness or another infection.
• High blood pressure or other conditions that need assessment.

What to expect at your consultation

• A clinician may ask about onset, severity, triggers, vision changes, fever and neurological symptoms.
• Blood pressure, eye check and neurological examination may be done.
• Urgent imaging or hospital assessment may be needed if red flags are present.

Looking after yourself

• Rest in a quiet place and drink safe fluids if you can.
• Take breaks from screens and bright light.
• Seek medical advice if headaches are new, frequent, worsening or affecting daily life.

Frequently asked questions

When should headache be treated as urgent?

Urgent care is needed for sudden worst headache, neurological symptoms, fever with stiff neck, head injury, or severe headache in pregnancy.

Can dehydration cause headache?

Yes. Heat, sweating, fasting or low fluid intake can contribute, but severe or unusual headache should still be assessed.

Is every severe headache migraine?

No. Migraine is one possibility, but sudden or unusual severe headache can have other causes.

Can high blood pressure cause headache?

It can be associated, especially when readings are very high, but headache has many possible causes.