How to Get Rid of a Headache Fast, and When to Worry

When to get help straight away

Most headaches are harmless. Call your emergency number or go to an emergency department if a headache:

• Comes on suddenly and severely, reaching its worst within about a minute, sometimes described as the worst headache of your life.
• Comes with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, a drooping face, confusion or vision loss. These can be signs of a stroke.
• Comes with fever, a stiff neck, a rash or sensitivity to light. These can be signs of meningitis.
• Follows a head injury.
• Comes with a seizure or fainting.

See a doctor soon if headaches are new after age 50, are getting steadily worse, wake you up, or are worse when you cough, strain or lie down.

Fast relief for a typical headache

Most everyday headaches are tension-type headaches: a dull, pressing ache on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band. They usually respond to simple steps:

1. Take a standard painkiller, if it is safe for you: paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen or aspirin. Follow the label dose. Taking it early works better than waiting.
2. Drink a large glass of water. Mild dehydration is a common trigger.
3. Eat something if you have skipped a meal.
4. Step away from screens and rest your eyes. Dim the lights if that helps.
5. Relax tight muscles: roll your shoulders, gently stretch your neck, or massage your temples and the base of your skull.
6. Try warmth or cold: a warm compress on the neck, or a cold pack on the forehead.
7. Get some fresh air or go for a short walk.

Tension headache or migraine?

Migraines often need different treatment. Over-the-counter painkillers help some people if taken early, and doctors can prescribe specific migraine medicines and preventive treatments.

Use painkillers safely

• Do not take painkillers for headaches on more than about 10 to 15 days a month. Doing so can cause medication overuse headache, where the treatment itself makes headaches more frequent.
• Check for conflicts. Ibuprofen and aspirin may not be suitable if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, certain heart conditions, asthma triggered by these drugs, or take blood thinners. Ask a pharmacist.
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless a doctor advises it.
• Watch combination products, such as cold and flu remedies, which may also contain paracetamol, to avoid taking too much.

Common triggers

Keeping a headache diary for a few weeks often reveals a pattern. Common triggers include:

• Stress and tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
• Poor sleep, or a change in sleep pattern. See our sleep guide.
• Long screen sessions and poor posture.
• Skipped meals and dehydration.
• Caffeine: too much, or withdrawal when you skip your usual coffee.
• Alcohol.
• Eye strain, which can mean you need an eye test.

Preventing frequent headaches

• Keep regular sleep and meal times.
• Drink water through the day.
• Take breaks from screens every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Get regular exercise, which reduces tension headaches for many people.
• Manage stress with whatever works for you: walking, breathing exercises, talking to someone.
• Keep caffeine moderate and consistent.

If you have headaches on many days a month, a doctor can discuss preventive treatments and check for underlying causes.

Key takeaways

• Sudden severe headaches, or headaches with neurological symptoms, fever or stiff neck, need urgent help.
• Most headaches ease with a painkiller, water, food and rest.
• Limit painkillers to avoid medication overuse headache.
• A diary helps you find and avoid your triggers.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about headaches, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.