First Aid for Headaches

Self Care for Headaches

Source: Headaches - NHS, Headache: Care Instructions, Albert Health

• Drink water, stay hydrated
• Rest
  • Rest in quiet, dark room
• Relax - avoid stress
  • Get/do massages of neck and shoulers
  • Use warm towel/pad to relax shoulder and neck muscles
• Take pain medication
• Stay home
• Eat and sleep regularly

Avoid

• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not skip meals
• Do not sleep more than usual
• Do not strain eyes for a long time
  • Like looking at screens, TV, reading

Seek medical attention for

• Headache keeps coming back
• Pain killers are not working
• Throbbing pain in front or side of head
• Feel sick, vomit, light/noise is painful
• Additional pain, unusual signs and symptoms, persistent issues

Causes

• 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 during menopause (hormone headache)

Keeping a headache diary may help to see triggers for your headaches