What you may feel
- Different headaches may feel pressing, throbbing or stabbing.
- Pain may affect one side, both sides or the back of the head.
- Some attacks bring nausea or sensitivity to light or sound.
- Activity or neck movement may change the pain, depending on its type.
- Record attack duration, frequency and which painkillers you take.
How it is assessed
Assessment reviews attack duration and frequency, associated symptoms and medication use. A headache diary can help. Imaging is not necessary in every case.
Record the pain location, attack duration and frequency, possible triggers and medicines used. Mention previous dental or other procedures.
Approaches to care
Treatment depends on the headache type. Options may include attack management, prevention, sleep and routine adjustments, and referral to an appropriate specialist.
Track not only pain intensity but attack frequency and impact on daily life. Review medication changes and treatment response with your clinician.
When to seek urgent help
A sudden unusually severe headache, new speech or vision problems, weakness, altered consciousness, or a stiff neck with fever need emergency care.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.