Possible factors associated with headache include the following. The list is not exhaustive and does not establish a personal diagnosis:
- The common cold
- Anxiety and stress
- Large quantities of alcohol
- Poor posture
- Vision problems
- Missing regular meals; possible hypoglycaemia needs the appropriate clinical context.
- Dehydration
- Taking too many painkillers
- Menstruation or menopause in women
Tips for Reducing Headache Symptoms:
- Plenty of water
- Rest when suffering from a cold or viral infection
- Relaxation helps relieve symptoms
- Exercise whenever possible
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid missing meals, taking account of your individual dietary advice.
- Rest your eyes after exposure to a computer screen
Headache causes and everyday habits
The article’s list introduces possible factors. It cannot identify the cause of a particular person’s headache.
The word headache covers different situations. Episode frequency, duration, associated symptoms and effects on everyday life all matter in an assessment. Two people using the same word may be describing quite different experiences that require different investigations.
When reading a study, distinguish prevention of episodes from relief during an episode. Check the headache type and the follow-up period. Findings in one group do not automatically apply to every headache or every method of treatment.
Information can help organise questions, but should not delay assessment of a new or unusual symptom. A medical history, examination and any necessary tests cannot be replaced by an online list of possible causes.
Changes in everyday routines can be recorded without turning observations into a diagnosis. Noticing a possible factor may help the discussion, while causes and care options still need an appropriate clinical context and the person’s wider history.
Continue with Medical Acupuncture Methods, or browse Headaches – Migraines for related articles.
Headache describes a symptom rather than one cause
The same word can describe different conditions. Tension-type headache, migraine and other types are not identified solely by the location of pain. Onset, duration, frequency and associated symptoms help assessment. A general list of possible factors cannot establish a personal diagnosis or exclude a problem needing investigation, even when one item appears to fit the circumstances of a particular episode.
Describe whether this is a familiar pattern or a new experience. Note whether pain began gradually or suddenly and how it affects activities. Nausea, light sensitivity, visual changes and other symptoms matter in the history. There is no need to select a diagnostic label independently before asking for help; a clear description provides a useful starting point for the professional assessing the problem.
A preceding event is not necessarily a cause
Limited fluid intake, missed meals or stress can be associated with headache, but the relationship differs between people. An event before one attack does not establish that it caused it. Repeated observations and discussion can help avoid unnecessary restrictions or the impression that symptoms represent a personal failure to manage daily life correctly. The aim is to identify useful information rather than assign blame.
General self-care advice may help in uncomplicated situations without treating every headache. More sleep, large amounts of water or exercise are not always the solution. History and circumstances determine the appropriate approach. Specific instructions about fluid intake or medicines from a treating professional should not be set aside because of a generic list, and worsening symptoms should not be explained away as insufficient relaxation.
Keep a useful diary
Record headache days, duration, severity and activities affected. Include medicines, including those bought without a prescription. Frequent use of acute treatments can be associated with medication-overuse headache. Assessment is discussed with a professional rather than independently stopping a prescribed treatment abruptly. The purpose is to understand the pattern and identify a suitable plan, taking account of other conditions and reasons for medication use.
Record any relationship with menstrual periods without assuming that every headache is hormonal. The same applies to screens, caffeine and schedule changes. A simple consistent record is better than occasional detailed entries. It helps compare the course and distinguish changes in frequency, severity and duration. These are different outcomes, and improvement in one does not necessarily mean that all aspects of the problem have changed.
Know when not to wait
A sudden extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, confusion or loss of vision needs emergency help. Headache with fever and neck stiffness, or following an injury, also requires timely assessment. Do not wait to see whether relaxation, a painkiller or a complementary appointment helps when concerning features are present. The response should match the symptoms, rather than the next available routine booking.
Regular headaches, worsening or a substantial change from the usual pattern need medical discussion. Review may change the diagnosis or plan. If a complementary option is considered, distinguish prevention of future attacks from treatment of the current episode. Its aim, evidence, cost and review point should relate to the particular headache type without promising complete freedom from all headaches or making a familiar label a substitute for reassessment.
Sources for further information
Questions about headaches
Does recognising one factor identify the cause?
Not necessarily. The timing of a habit and a headache is useful information, but must be considered alongside the episode’s characteristics.
What can a headache diary record?
It can record the start, duration and location of an episode, accompanying symptoms and medication used. Frequency over time helps make the discussion with the treating clinician more precise.