Managing your Head | Headaches and Migraines

Dealing with Headaches and Migraines 

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Although headaches and migraines can severely impact on your day, they are rarely serious or life-threatening. Often, they will get better by themselves within 24 hours and you won’t require any further tests such as scans or blood tests, however, some may need further medical advice which can be seen below.

Managing your headache 

  • If you are having headaches regularly it may be worth keeping a headache diary. Recording when you have them, how long they last and whether they are mild, moderate or severe, will be useful in seeing if they follow a pattern or how they respond to treatment. A useful guide is available here
  • Try to get plenty of rest and sleep, using every opportunity you have to relax
  • Drinking plenty of fluids is important for recovery, at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid should be drunk daily with this ideally being water. Avoid alcohol and eat regular meals.
  • Painkillers may be useful in controlling the pain and these are available over the counter or online. Choose a preparation that suits you and any medical conditions that you suffer from. Avoid taking painkillers for headaches for more than 10 to 15 days per month as this can lead to more headaches for you.
  • Acupuncture can help with migraine and tension type headache. Riboflavin may help reduce migraine frequency and intensity in some people, however this hasn’t been proved.

When to seek medical help?

If you experience any of the following alongside your headache you may require immediate medical attention

  • Stiff neck
  • Rash
  • The worst headache you have ever had
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Fever
  • Paralysis in any part of your body or visual loss