You are not the odd one out, most people experience headaches at some point. And guess what? They can usually be treated with rest, water and simple painkillers. Headaches are also less likely to occur if you have a regular, balanced diet, exercise well, sleep enough, manage your stress and drink enough water.

What is a tension headache?

They feel like a tight band across your forehead and can last for several days. They usually worsen as the day progresses. Most people can carry on working with a tension headache.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a common type of headache that is usually described as a throbbing pain and felt on one side of the head. Many people also experience associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Medical Tips (tension headache)

Avoid triggers

• Diet (irregular meals, cheese, chocolate, red wine, citrus fruit, food containing tyramine, not drinking enough water)
• Environmental – flickering light, screens, strong smells
• Stress
• Medicines – HRT, sleeping tablets, contraceptive pill
• Stressful work and changing sleeping patterns

Medication

• Painkillers – paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen with food, avoid codeine as it makes people sick and can lead to medication-overuse. There are combination tablets which some people find helpful
• Anti-sickness medication
• Triptans can be used during an attack along with over-the-counter painkillers. Tap "Follow up with a doctor" to get a prescription from one of our doctors.

Get rest and sleep

Seek urgent help if:

• You have had a head injury in the past 3 months
• The headaches are worsening
• You have a high fever
• You have red or painful eyes
• You have unexplained vomiting
• You develop speech or balance problems
• You feel muddled or confused