Why do I keep getting headaches?
Headaches can happen for many reasons. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as not drinking enough water, skipping meals, poor sleep or stress. Other times, headaches may be related to migraine, infections, vision problems or other medical conditions.
What are common causes of headaches?
Some common triggers include:
Dehydration
Stress and anxiety
Lack of sleep
Skipping meals
Too much screen time or eye strain
Alcohol
Colds, flu or other infections
Migraine
Caffeine changes
Keeping track of when your headaches occur can help identify your triggers.
When should I worry about a headache?
Seek urgent medical attention if a headache is sudden and extremely severe, follows a serious head injury, or occurs with symptoms such as:
Weakness or numbness
Difficulty speaking
Confusion or fainting
Seizures
Severe vision changes
High fever with a stiff neck
A headache that is becoming more frequent, severe or different from your usual headaches should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What can I do for a simple headache?
Try drinking water, eating if you have skipped a meal, getting adequate rest and reducing bright screens or other obvious triggers.
Pain-relieving medicines may help some headaches, but frequent use can itself contribute to medication-overuse headaches. If you regularly need painkillers for headaches, speak to a healthcare professional.
Bottom Line
Most headaches are not serious, but repeated or unusual headaches should not simply be ignored. Identify possible triggers, maintain good hydration and sleep, and seek medical advice if headaches are frequent, severe or accompanied by warning symptoms.