Headaches and Migraines

Reviewed by Dr Claudia Pastides, 24th April 2019

Headaches are a common symptom, but can sometimes be hard to manage. They can make it difficult to continue with your daily routine, and can affect work or family life.

Headaches can occur for many different reasons, and it’s important to speak to a GP to discuss your headaches and any other symptoms you have. A GP will be able to identify the type of headache, and offer advice and treatment.

What causes headaches?

There are a whole host of factors which could be contributing to your headaches. A lot of people suffer from headaches when they are feeling stressed or haven’t been maintaining a healthy diet. Some headaches have other causes, such as due to eye problems, blood pressure problems or infections. There are some serious causes of headache, which is why it’s important to speak to a doctor to discuss your headaches.

Book a consultation to find out what type of headache you are suffering from and how you can ease the pain.

Managing headaches

Once you have established the form of headaches you are affected by, and any lifestyle factors which can contribute to it, you can start to manage headaches and hopefully prevent them from occurring. Whether you have a certain trigger to avoid or you know to stay well hydrated at work, simple changes can help manage lots of headaches.

In some cases, doctors may recommend some form of treatment. Depending on the cause, there are some prescription medications which may help prevent a headache, or manage the symptoms when they arise.

While headache is a common symptom, it’s important to see a doctor if you have recurrent headaches, any change in your normal headaches, or other symptoms occurring with headaches. Some symptoms such as problems with vision, feeling unwell, having a fever or rash may be a sign of more serious causes and it’s important to see a doctor urgently. If you would like to talk to a GP during a migraine attack or a painful spell of headaches, you can do so from home.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.