No, a constant headache isn't normal and often signals an underlying issue, like stress, medication overuse, or a chronic condition such as migraine, requiring a doctor's visit to diagnose and manage, especially if it disrupts daily life or doesn't respond to pain relievers. Persistent headaches, defined as occurring 15+ days a month for three months, need medical attention to rule out serious causes like brain tumors or aneurysms, though these are rare.
Conditions that might cause nonprimary chronic daily headaches include: Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke. Infections, such as meningitis. Intracranial pressure that's either too high or too low.
See a GP if: your headache keeps coming back. painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse. you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache.
Headaches can sometimes be linked to blood pressure problems in pregnancy. If they are lasting or severe and happen after 20 weeks of pregnancy, let your healthcare provider know. Strokes during pregnancy are rare. But migraines can increase a pregnant person's risk for them.
Brain tumor headaches tend to cause pain that's worse when coughing or straining. People with brain tumors most often report that the headache feels like a tension headache. Some people say the headache feels like a migraine. Brain tumors in the back of the head might cause a headache with neck pain.
Some of the first signs of a brain tumor may include:
A headache becomes serious and requires urgent medical attention if it's sudden and severe (a "thunderclap headache"), the "worst ever," occurs after a head injury, or comes with symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness, vision changes, seizures, or trouble speaking, as these can signal serious conditions like bleeding, infection, or a tumor. Seek immediate care for new or changing headaches, especially if over 50, accompanied by neurological signs, or preventing normal activities.
Headaches are common in pregnancy. They are more common in the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) or third trimester (27 to 40 weeks). Headaches can be unpleasant for you but are usually not dangerous for your baby. They can be a sign that you need to get checked out by your GP, midwife or obstetrician.
Paracetamol remains the recommended treatment option for pain or fever in pregnant women when used as directed. Importantly, untreated fever and pain can pose risks to the unborn baby, highlighting the importance of managing these symptoms with recommended treatment.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
A dull, throbbing, migraine-like headache that won't go away, especially when the headache is accompanied by sensitivity to light. Nausea or vomiting that shows up suddenly after the midpoint of pregnancy. Pain in the belly (abdomen), right shoulder or under the ribs on the right side.
Knowing how to distinguish between a typical headache and one caused by a brain tumor is essential for timely medical attention. The most important difference is that brain tumor headaches tend to be persistent, worsening over time, and often occur at night or in the early morning.
A period headache is a migraine that happens before or during your menstrual cycle. The symptoms are worse than a traditional headache, with throbbing or pulsing head pain, light sensitivity and nausea. Treatment options are available to manage and prevent these headaches.
Common migraine trigger foods
Multiple earlier studies have shown that in the vast majority of patients with chronic headache, CT scan may be normal. This has led to formation of guidelines as to when to order neuroimaging in these patients.
Using laboratory tests to diagnose headaches
Laboratory tests for patients with headache may be helpful under certain circumstances. A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are basic tests that are helpful in evaluating some headache patients.
If your headache persists for longer than 72 hours, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The same is true for headaches that come and go but continuously occur in the same spot.
Migraine headaches are a common type of headache in pregnancy. These painful, throbbing headaches are often felt on 1 side of the head. They are due to expansion of the blood vessels in the brain. The misery is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. It's commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.
Pregnancy Category C
Codeine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Sometimes a bad headache can be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a serious high blood pressure disorder that can affect all the organs in your body. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often in the third trimester. When it develops before 34 weeks of pregnancy, it is called early-onset preeclampsia.
There's no perfect time to share your pregnancy—do what feels right for you. Many wait until after the first trimester. Miscarriage risk drops after 13 weeks, but it's also OK to tell trusted loved ones earlier for support.
Sudden daily headaches can start because of things like stress, poor sleep, certain foods, or medical issues. They may also be linked to medication overuse, hormonal changes, or conditions like migraines, tension headaches, or sinus problems, which a healthcare provider can help diagnose.
Headaches caused by brain tumours: can be throbbing or a dull ache, depending on where they are in the brain. occur intermittently starting gradually, but fading over a few hours. tend to get worse over time.