Headaches: causes, treatment, headaches in pregnancy and children, and when to get help

The NHS says headaches can be common in early pregnancy and usually improve as the pregnancy goes on. They do not harm your baby, but they can be uncomfortable for you.

A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it is not monitored and treated. The NHS says pre-eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller in pregnancy. The NHS says that for safety, if you take paracetamol in pregnancy, you should take it for the shortest possible time, and you can get advice from your pharmacist, midwife or GP about how much and for how long. Some painkillers should be avoided in pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor, such as those containing codeine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

The NHS suggests drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, getting enough sleep and resting and relaxing, for example with a pregnancy yoga class.

The NHS says to call your maternity unit, GP or NHS 111 if you are pregnant and have a severe headache with any of the following, because they could be signs of pre-eclampsia and need to be checked immediately.

• Problems with vision, such as blurring or seeing flashing lights.

• Pain just below your ribs.

• Vomiting.

• A sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands, feet or ankles.

The NHS lists the following common causes of headaches, and says that keeping a headache diary might help you work out what triggers yours.

• 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 or the menopause (hormone headache).

The NHS says severe headaches can sometimes be caused by a migraine or cluster headache. Tension headaches are described as very common.

Most headaches in children are also not serious, but some warning signs need checking. The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if a child has a headache and vision or eye problems, a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercising, a headache and is being sick, or a headache that is getting worse or wakes them at night. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.

For children under 12 the NHS tension headache advice adds a headache when they wake up in the morning, a headache that gets progressively worse, or a headache with a squint or an inability to look upward, which should also prompt an urgent GP appointment or a call to 111.

Call 999 or go to A&E if a child has a headache and has had a seizure, has numbness or weakness, is drowsy or confused, has a head injury, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, or a very high temperature, stiff neck or discomfort from bright lights. The NHS also says children under 16 should not take aspirin.

Headaches vary. The NHS says they can last 30 minutes, several hours or sometimes several days. A tension headache is felt as pain on both sides of the head, face or neck, or a feeling of pressure, and the area may feel tender. A migraine usually causes a throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

Sometimes headaches come with other symptoms, and these matter more than the pain itself. The sections on urgent help below list the combinations the NHS says need prompt checking.

The NHS suggests that you can ease headaches yourself.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Get plenty of rest, especially if you also have a cold or flu.

• Try to relax, because stress can make headaches worse.

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

• Stay at home and avoid contact with others if you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

• Do not skip meals, sleep more than you usually would, strain your eyes for a long time (for example looking at a screen) or drink alcohol.

See a GP if you have tried treating a headache yourself and it is not getting better or is getting worse, or if you regularly get headaches.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you or a child have a headache and: vision or eye problems; the headache is triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercising; you are being sick; or you have jaw pain when eating or a sore or tender scalp. The same applies if you have any other symptoms you are worried about.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or a child have a headache and: have had a seizure; have numbness or weakness in the body or face; it started suddenly and is extremely painful; have had a head injury within the last 3 months; are finding it difficult to speak, balance, walk or remember things; are drowsy or confused; have lost vision; have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it; or have a very high temperature, a stiff neck or bright lights bothering you. Do not drive yourself to A&E.

Most headaches are managed at home with advice from a pharmacist. A GP can review frequent or worsening headaches, suggest a headache diary, and refer to a neurologist or headache clinic if needed. The NHS says a diary recording how often headaches happen, how long they last, how painful they are and any medicines used can help.

Some people choose a private neurology appointment or a private scan, usually after a GP or optician referral. Urgent warning signs should never wait for a private slot: use 111, 999 or A&E.