Managing a headache: Overview
Most of the time, headaches get better or go away with home treatment and don't require a visit to a doctor. Home treatment for headaches can often help reduce how long you have pain and how severe it is. Start home treatment as soon as you can.
If your doctor has prescribed a specific treatment for your headaches, begin treatment as soon as a headache starts. Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions when you take any prescription medicine for your headache.
If you are taking headache medicine more than 2 days a week, talk with your doctor. Taking medicine too often can cause more headaches. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your headaches.
Headache: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have signs of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a fever and a stiff neck.
- You have new nausea and vomiting, or you cannot keep down food or fluids.
- Your headache gets much worse.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your headaches get worse, happen more often, or change in some way.
- You have new symptoms.
- Your life is disrupted by your headaches. For example, you often miss work, school, or other activities.
- You do not get better as expected.
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