how to do homework when you have a headache

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15 ways to cure the homework headache

According to a survey by Public Agenda, almost half of all parents of school-age students said they have arguments involving tears or yelling with their kids about homework. And one-third of parents admit those school assignments cause repeated kid meltdowns. There's been some controversy lately about homework that some say isn't necessary, assigned by an administrative policy that's trying to make the parents feel the school is serious about education, or being sure their attendees pass standardized tests. Research says that the right kind of homework assignments enhances children's learning as well as helping them acquire the essential skills for success in school and life (such as organization, self-pacing, problem solving, internal motivation, concentration, memory, goal setting, good old "stick-to-it-ness") and don't forget, they might learn something!

So here are a few tips to help parents weigh the battle versus the learning. The key is a bit of organization from the start.

Make homework mandatory, not a choice. From the beginning maintain a firm, serious attitude about homework. Your kid needs to know that homework is not an option. Enforce the "work before play" rule.

Your role is guider, not doer. While you need to make sure they understand the concepts and are capable of the assignments, once they do, step back! Use the mantra "Never do for your child what your child can do for himself." It may take a bit of adjustment, but hang tight until you reach the desired change: independent, self-motivated learners.

Know the teacher’s expectations. Be clear as to expectations and homework policy so you are all on the same page. If your child is in middle school, she probably has a number of teachers, so you will have to do the same query per teacher. Many teachers prefer an e-mail query — find out how the teacher prefers to be contacted. Most important: Find out, on an average, how long the homework should take per night. That answer will help you determine if your child has too much work, is a procrastinator, has a learning disability or lacks study skills. Talk with your child so he knows you are not only aware of those expectations, but support them.

Develop a weekly homework reminder. Teach your child to create a simple reminder of daily or weekly assignments as well as long-term projects and reports. A white board or chalkboard is preferable because it is reusable. With a permanent marker, list the days of the week or month and then note regular daily or weekly assignments (Monday: sharing; Wednesday: library; Friday: spelling test) as well as practice dates, Scout meetings, tutoring, etc. Use a different color to represent each kid (John is blue; Sally is green). The goal is for your child to be able to do this on her own.

Create a special homework spot. Involve your child in the selection and stock it with necessary school supplies. It helps your kid get organized and saves time wasters: "I can't find a ruler!" The general rule is, the younger the child, the closer that spot will be near you. Put the computer in a place where you can carefully view what your child is doing online. Background noise from TV is distracting. Turn it off.

Set a routine. Select a time that works best for your kid to do his homework — after school, before dinner, after dinner — then stick to it. Ask your child for his input and do try to accommodate his schedule. A set and predictable schedule helps defray the battles and gets your kid in a routine. Drawing a clock face of the set time helps younger kids. Set up a rule: "Homework first, then play."

Praise efforts! A Columbia University study found that praising your child's work effort (not inherent intelligence — "You're so smart") stretches persistence, develops a positive mind-set and increases grades. And restrain the urges to correct all his errors or focus on the mistakes.

Teach study skills. Usually the biggest reason for those homework battles is that kids don't have study skills. So slowly make sure your child has those skills.

Planning skills. Make a list of what needs to be done in order of priority. He can then cross each off as done. A young child can draw a different task on paper strips, then put them in the order he plans to complete them, and then staple the packet together. Each time a task is finished, your child tears off a strip until no more remain.

Divide the assignment into smaller parts. Breaking up homework into smaller chunks is often helpful for kids who have difficulty sticking to a task or who seem overwhelmed by an assignment. Just tell your child to do "one chunk at a time." Gradually you can increase the size of the "work chunks" as your child's confidence increases.

Respect learning style. Tune in to how your child learns and encourage it! Visual: Draw pictures, color code. Auditory: Hears it, plugs in music to tune out sound, hums as he reads, says words out loud. Kinesthetic: Moves — so don't stop him. If your child has trouble focusing, then suggest he work in 20-minute bouts, then take a quick refresher break.

Do the hardest first. Teach your child to do the hardest homework assignment first. It takes the most concentration (which is usually at the beginning of a study session) and the longest time.

Put away. Once done, establish a routine that she immediately puts the work in her folder or binder placed in her backpack and set by the door to find the next morning.

Set a consequence for incomplete work. If you find out the homework isn't getting done and done with the quality you expect, then announce a consequence. For instance, if work isn't finished by a predetermined time (ideally, the same time each night), your kid knows he will lose a desired privilege either that evening or the following day.

Stay in touch with the teacher, especially if you see your child is struggling. Consider a tutor! When you see your child struggling (homework becomes an ongoing battle and your relationship with your kid is taking a dive), and your child continues to fall behind despite homework efforts, then consider a tutor. Consider a high school kid or even a retired teacher. Then make a plan with the teacher so your child is being tutored in exactly the needed areas.

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How to Relieve & Prevent Headaches & Migraines Fast

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was medically reviewed by Sari Eitches, MBE, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Dr. Sari Eitches is an Integrative Internist who runs Tower Integrative Health and Wellness, based in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in plant-based nutrition, weight management, women's health, preventative medicine, and depression. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received a BS from the University of California, Berkeley, an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and an MBE from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY and served as an attending internist at the University of Pennsylvania. There are 35 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 11,714,425 times.

Is there anything worse than a headache? Whether you have a minor throb or a debilitating migraine, they can be a mood buster. But what if we told you there were plenty of ways to help the pain fade away? In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting rid of a headache, from at-home care to over-the-counter medications. With our help, you’ll be able to soothe your head and prevent future headaches from coming on.

Best Ways to Stop a Headache Fast

• Hold an ice pack against your forehead to relieve pain.
• Apply a warm compress or take a warm shower.
• Drink a large glass of water or have a small caffeinated drink.
• Dim the lights and avoid bright screens.
• Get some rest and sleep the headache off.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Try diffusing lavender essential oil.

Know the type of headache you’re experiencing.

• Tension headaches: These are the most common, occurring less than 15 days a month. Often triggered by stress, eye strain, or insomnia, they can cause head pain that lasts around 30 minutes. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
• Migraines: These can last from hours to days. They usually cause throbbing pain and sensitivity to light and sound. If you’re having a headache that lasts anywhere between 4 to 72 hours, that’s a migraine.
• Sinus headaches: These are a common symptom of sinus infections, colds, and seasonal allergies and cause pressure and pain around the nose, eyes, and forehead. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
• Rebound headaches: These are caused by the frequent use of pain relievers or anti-migraine drugs.
• Cluster headaches: These are rare and tend to occur in cycles. They’re classifiable by intense pain around one eye or side of the head.

Drink a large glass of water.

• Carry a filled reusable water bottle with you wherever you go so you’re reminded to drink more water .
• Try to drink room temperature water if you’re prone to migraines, as extremely cold or iced water could trigger symptoms. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Place an ice pack on your eyes or head.

• Use the cold compress for around 25 minutes, then take a break and see how you feel. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
• Try using a cooling eye mask to block out light and soothe pressure.

Take a warm bath or shower.

• If bathing isn’t an option, try pressing a heating pad or warm compress to your head.

Dim the lights and turn off screens.

• If turning off or dimming the lights isn’t an option, close your eyes or place your head under a blanket or pillow to make your own dark, quiet space.
• Try using an eye mask to keep things nice and dark no matter what.

Take a nap.

• Make sure to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, as sleep deprivation can trigger headaches.
• Limit your screen time before bed so you can wind down before closing your eyes.
• Try to stick to a regular sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day (even on weekends). [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Relax with meditation or yoga.

• Try yoga poses like a forward fold, downward facing dog, or head-to-knee for quick relief. [17] X Research source
• Count your breaths and close your eyes when you feel a headache coming on, rather than focusing on the pounding in your head. [18] X Research source
• Do deep breathing exercises while you meditate to help calm your mind and nervous system. [19] X Research source

Try over-the-counter medications.

• Try to take these medications at the first sign of a headache for faster relief. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
• Limit your medication use to 2 days a week, as too much could cause more headaches.

Warning: Taking medication should never be your first choice or your automatic go-to. Do not rely on medicine all the time, instead maybe lean towards other relieving methods first.

Use a lavender essential oil.

• Always purchase essential oils from well-known and reputable companies to ensure you get the best quality item.
• Dilute lavender oil by mixing it with a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, in a 1:1 ratio. This will help prevent burns and rashes, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Drink some caffeine.

• Try drinking a tea with ginger in it to ease the nausea and vomiting that may come with more severe headaches. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
• Be careful when it comes to drinking caffeine, as having too much can cause migraines and possibly a caffeine addiction (which has its own type of headache withdrawals).
• Doctors recommend having within 150 to 200 mg of caffeine a day, so avoid this method if you’ve already hit your daily allowance. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Stay hydrated when drinking alcohol.

• Opt for food with a high water content while and after you drink, like watermelon, celery, and cucumber, to help you stay hydrated .

Try a magnesium supplement.

• Magnesium deficiency is the most common amongst those who have Type 2 Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, or are taking medications.
• Talk to your doctor before adding a magnesium supplement to your daily routine, as they’ll be able to tell you the exact dosage you and your body need.

Watch what you eat.

• Aged cheese (blue cheese, brie, cheddar, mozzarella)
• Pizza or other tomato-based products
• Potato chips
• Smoked or dried fish
• Pickled foods
• Canned soups
• Cultured dairy products (sour cream, yogurt)
• Artificial sweeteners

Exercise regularly.

• Who says you have to go to the gym and lift weights to exercise? Move your body in whatever way that feels good! Maybe that’s dancing, walking, running, or swimming.

Try acupressure.

• On your hand: Massage the soft part of your hand in between your index finger and thumb. Apply firm, circular pressure for 4 to 5 seconds. [34] X Research source
• Behind your ear: Locate the mastoid bone just behind your ear, and follow the natural groove in your neck to where the muscles attach to the skull. Apply firm pressure for 4 to 5 seconds while breathing deeply. [35] X Research source
• On your shoulder: Locate the point on your shoulder between your neck and the edge of your shoulder. Using your opposite hand (right hand on the left shoulder, left hand on the right shoulder), pinch the shoulder muscle between your fingers and thumb. Use your index finger to apply firm downward pressure for 4 to 5 seconds. [36] X Research source

Try acupuncture.

Do weekly massage sessions.

• Massages alone won’t cure a headache—it’s simply a preventative step—so make sure you try other methods as well.

Visit a chiropractor.

• Talk to your chiropractor about your headaches and symptoms, as they can pinpoint if and where the problem is in your back or neck.
• As an alternative, try osteopathic manipulative treatment, which is similar to chiropractic therapy but focuses on improving the body’s overall system. [41] X Research source

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Not all headaches are the same. If one fix doesn't get rid of your headache, keep trying other solutions until you find one that works. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• Wear soft ear plugs that aren't connected by a thin cord to aid in noise cancellation. If you share a room with someone, ask them to please be quiet and to keep the lights dim while you're recovering.
• Stay away from too much light. If you want to get rid of a headache fast, stay away from electronics and screens. Even the sun can make your headache worse, so try to stay inside and rest.
• Take a wash cloth and put it under hot water, wring it out so it doesn't drip then lay down and wrap it around your eyes and temples. Heat relaxes muscles and can help reduce pain.
• If you are just at the start of getting a headache, avoid sitting up too fast when you're lying down. This can make your headache even worse. Take it nice and slow instead.
• Massage the back of the neck to get the blood flowing. This helps me when I get migraines before they get really bad.

• Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen if you have an ulcer or gastrointestinal problems, as they can worsen your symptoms. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
• Get emergency medical treatment if you have sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, become confused, and/or have trouble speaking or understanding people. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2
• If you experience a fast yet incredibly painful headache that lasts about 5 minutes, this is could be a thunderclap headache, which often signal a serious issue. Contact your doctor immediately. [42] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches#management-and-treatment
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches#management-and-treatment
• ↑ Sari Eitches, MBE, MD. Sleep Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
• ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/headaches#prevented
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11442559/
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003024.htm
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1697736/
• ↑ https://headaches.org/hot-and-cold-packs-showers/
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15985108/
• ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16897622/
• ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-by-benefit/headache/
• ↑ https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-cattreatmentmindfulness-meditation-migraine/
• ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth
• ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/november/migraines-vs-headaches
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/9652-headache-medicine
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517298/
• ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655397/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/
• ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/study-reveals-that-caffeine-can-actually-prevent-migraines/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551876/
• ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/magnesium-deficiency
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-food
• ↑ http://exploreim.ucla.edu/wellness/acupressure-for-headache-or-neck-and-shoulder-tension/
• ↑ http://exploreim.ucla.edu/chinese-medicine/acupressure-point-li4/
• ↑ http://exploreim.ucla.edu/chinese-medicine/acupressure-point-gb20/
• ↑ http://exploreim.ucla.edu/chinese-medicine/acupressure-point-gb21/
• ↑ https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraineacupuncture-and-migraine-finding-a-combination-that-sticks/
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099267/
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16827629/
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21640251
• ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17876-thunderclap-headaches

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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If you’re suffering from a headache, there are some tricks you can try for fast-acting relief. Close your eyes and inhale for a count of 5, then exhale for a count of 5. Keep breathing like this until your headache subsides. Massage your temples or the back of your neck at the same time for extra relief. Placing a cold compress over your eyes or forehead can also help, especially if you have a migraine. For a tension headache, hold a heating pack against your head or neck, or take a warm bath or shower. Caffeine can also get rid of a headache, so try drinking some caffeinated tea or coffee. Even just drinking water can ease a headache if you’re feeling dehydrated. If your headache persists, take a break from what you’re doing and do something relaxing, like yoga or meditation. Dim the lights and shut off any screens since bright light can make headaches worse. Applying peppermint oil to your temples and inhaling lavender oil can provide quick headache relief and help you relax. Finally, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil if natural methods aren’t helping. To learn how to get rid of a headache with natural remedies like ginger and tea, read the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Avoid Getting a Headache When Studying

Find why you might get a headache from studying.

If you’re getting ready for that big exam by cramming the entire textbook into one night of studying, be forewarned: A headache may be in your future.

First off, it’s true that college students are vulnerable to headaches. In a self-reported study of more than 300 university students in Brazil, 87% of participants reported experiencing headaches, mostly tension-type and migraine headaches . 1

Second, everyone’s headache triggers are different. But there are a few known headache and migraine triggers that might come up when studying for the big test.

For instance, long-term use of a computer or reading for long periods can cause eyestrain. Moreover, in some people, a symptom of eyestrain is headaches.

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Stress over making the grade — and pulling consecutive all-nighters to do so — doesn’t help either. Stress is a known trigger of tension headaches and migraines. In fact, in recent research of more than 5,000 participants (presented at the 4th European Headache and Migraine Trust International Congress), it was found that an increase in stress was directly correlated with an increase of headaches, and that these effects were higher in younger age groups. 2

Additionally, lack of sleep can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. And the two together — stress and irregular sleep patterns — can really impact your head pain. One small observational study of chronic tension headache and migraine sufferers found that two consecutive days of either high stress or low sleep were “strongly predictive” of a headache. 3

Avoiding Triggers

There are some tips that can help students survive the semester with fewer headaches. Take frequent study breaks to reduce eyestrain, find a comfortable chair, etc.

Souza-e-Silva HR, Rocha-Filho PA. Headaches and academic performance in university students: a cross-sectional study. Headache. 2011 Nov-Dec;51(10):1493-502.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22082420 .

Schramm et al.: EHMTI-0143. The association between stress and headache: a longitudinal population-based study. The Journal of Headache and Pain 2014 15(Suppl 1):F23.

http://cep.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/12/05/0333102414563087.abstract .

Houle et al.: Stress and Sleep Duration Predict Headache Severity in Chronic Headache Sufferers. Pain. 2012 Dec; 153(12): 2432–2440.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626265/ .

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Dr Vanessa Lapointe

5 remedies for homework headaches.

• October 2, 2015
• Homework , Parenting , School

Every parent has been there. Your child comes home, exhausted after a long day, and you give them a snack, let them have some downtime, sit down to dinner, and then…it’s time to hit the books for them – again!

They don’t want to do it. You don’t want to do it. And depending on what your child is working on, you may not even actually understand what it is that they are supposed to be doing.

So how are you meant to help them with it?

Which raises another question – are you meant to help them with it or should you just leave them to land where they land with whatever they can figure out?

Navigating such homework headaches requires a bit of awareness and a lot of patience. But it is possible.

Here are some tried and true strategies that may be just what the homework-headache doctor ordered!

1. Connect first. Homework second.

The child’s brain is wired in a unique way. It is a brain that has to feel like you are on the same page with the child in order for the child to actually cooperate with what you are about to ask of them. So in the service of that unique wiring, spend some time connecting with your child after school before dropping the homework bomb on them. Play, hang, relax, eat…do something with a real connection energy about it and zero expectations tied to it. And then shift to homework.

2. Stay low.

If you are getting frustrated, evenly silently about your child’s homework, they will sense it. They will smell it coming out of your pores and it will all be over before it has hardly begun. So you have to stay low. And if you can’t then you need to sit with yourself about what is really at the root of your frustration and address that. Is it because you remember what it was to struggle as a student yourself? Is it because you worry your child is falling behind? Is it because you don’t want the judgment of being a bad parent? Is it because you want to save your child from a bad grade? Figure that out. And then address it. Be conscious of it. Move beyond it.

3. Outsource as needed.

Sometimes homework is a battle that parents might wisely decide not to enter into. And that is okay. Especially if your relationship with your child has a lot of other battles already due to sensitivity or other challenging kinds of things. Get creative about finding nurturing substitutes for you in your “village” that can come alongside and support your child with their homework. Know any retired math teachers? Know a high school student you could hire a couple of afternoons a week?

4. Supporting versus rescuing – know where you need to land.

If children always have parents rushing in to get the homework done, the student doesn’t get to have the experience of being successful with rocking out a hard assignment. Ever. And it robs them of the chance to find their stride and their confidence as a learner. On the other hand, if a student is drowning because of stress, learning exceptionalities, lack of understanding, or for any other reason, the humane thing to do is find a little more of your rescuer coming alongside. Maybe you help more than you would otherwise. Maybe you intervene to ask for an extension. Knowing how to balance rescuer verses supporter HAS to come from knowing your child in that moment, on that day, in that circumstance.

5. Keep it real.

If a homework assignment for a student has come down to whether or not YOU happen to be a Nobel Prize winner in physics or a world renowned artist then we’ve got a problem. And it might be worth a conversation with your child’s teacher or even a school administrator about skewed baselines or extraordinary expectations.

The best kind of learning comes from that which is: (a) within a student’s reach, even if barely; and (b) experiential, with the student being able to link the concept at hand to other knowledge and ideas.

Projects that have a student drowning or that get out of hand with the show-off factor, becoming a competition among parents rather than a true feat of learning, need a serious hard look by all involved.

And sometimes, we need to just be fierce about the things we know to be good and true.

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How to Get Rid of a Headache

Headaches happen. The good news is there are several simple things you can do to ease the pain or keep it from getting worse. Try these tips and get to feeling better fast.

Try a Cold Pack

If you're having a migraine attack, place a cold pack on your forehead. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a cold shower may ease the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes, and then take a break for 15 minutes.

Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress

If you have a tension headache , place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also do the trick.

Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head

If your ponytail is too tight, it could cause a headache. These "external pressure headaches" can also be caused by wearing a hat, headband, or even swimming goggles that are too tight. Release the pressure, and you should get rid of this kind of headache within an hour.

Dim the Lights

Bright or flickering light, even from your computer screen, can contribute to headaches from migraine . If you’re prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day. Wear sunglasses outdoors. You might also add anti-glare screens to your computer and use daylight-spectrum fluorescent bulbs in your light fixtures.

Try Not to Chew

Chewing gum can hurt not just your jaw but your head. The same is true for chewing your fingernails, lips, the inside of your cheeks, or handy objects such as pens. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, and make sure you take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. This may curb your early-morning headaches.

Drink plenty of liquids. Your body is made up mostly of liquid, and when you're losing more through pee or sweat than you're taking in, you can become dehydrated . That causes your body's tissues to shrink, including your brain, which puts pressure on nerves and gives you a headache.

It's easy to fix by drinking fluids. Besides water, try a sports drink to restore electrolytes or an oral rehydration powder mixed with water. It's especially important if headache pain has made you throw up. That can quickly lead to dehydration.

Eat Something

Fasting or even just missing a meal is known to bring on a headache. Get yourself a nutritious snack with some protein and complex carbohydrates. If this happens to you often, try eating several small meals at regular intervals every day.

Get Some Caffeine

Have some tea, coffee, or something with a little caffeine in it. If you get it early enough after the pain starts, it could ease your headache pain. It can also help over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, work better. Just don’t drink too much because caffeine withdrawal can cause its own type of headache.

Try Massage

You can do it yourself. A few minutes of massaging your forehead, neck, and temples can help ease a tension headache, which may result from stress. Or apply gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area. Your shoulders and the base of your neck are also good spots. Try it with a hard therapy ball or vibrating tool.

A type of massage called acupressure is another technique that may help you get rid of a headache. Try gently squeezing or rubbing the back of your hand in the "V" where your thumb and forefinger come together.

Try to Get Some Sleep

Many people find that a nap helps them get rid of a headache. Even just lying down in a quiet place and closing your eyes for a while can make you feel better.

But don't nap for so long or so often that you have trouble sleeping at night. Getting a good night's sleep can prevent some kinds of headaches. If you often wake up with a headache, it may be a sign of a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Bring it up at your next doctor's visit.

Identify Your Triggers

It may not help you get rid of a headache, but if you learn what triggers them, you may be able to prevent them. Everyone's triggers are different, but some things are known to bring on a migraine attack or other type of headache for many people. They include:

• Foods including chocolate, nuts, aged cheese, processed meat, and things that are pickled or fermented
• Drinks with caffeine, artificial sweeteners, or alcohol
• Changes in air pressure or weather
• Strong smells such as smoke, perfume, or cleaning products
• Hormone shifts around your period
• Exertion resulting from activities such as strenuous exercise or sex

You can try keeping a diary where you record what you were doing or eating before a headache and look for a pattern.

Take Some Ginger

One small study found that taking ginger , in addition to regular over-the-counter pain meds, eased pain for people in the ER with migraine. Another found that it worked almost as well as prescription migraine meds. You can try a supplement or brew some tea.

Consider Supplements

There's some evidence that certain nutrients may be helpful for headaches. These include:

Magnesium. Some research has been done into whether magnesium can help prevent or reduce pain from migraine. There isn't a clear-cut benefit, but experts say it's probably effective, and the recommended daily intake of around 300-400 milligrams for most adults can't hurt.

Riboflavin. Also known as vitamin B2, this nutrient is found in many foods, including dairy products, almonds, and fortified cereals. While there isn't a lot of evidence to support using it for headaches, some research has found it can lessen migraine pain and lower the number of headaches you have in a month. And like magnesium, riboflavin is good for your overall health.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Your body makes this antioxidant naturally, and it's a popular dietary supplement. While research hasn't shown an effect on migraine pain, it might help reduce how often you get them.

Melatonin. This supplement is used to promote better sleep. It also works to reduce inflammation and boost the function of brain chemicals that block pain signals. The handful of studies that have looked into it as a migraine treatment didn't find a direct benefit, but it if helps you sleep, you may get fewer headaches.

Headache Relief Medications

Pharmacy shelves are stocked with pain relievers for all kinds of headaches. To get the most benefit with the least risk, follow the directions on the label and these guidelines:

• Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster.
• Avoid ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you have heart failure or kidney failure.
• Do not give aspirin to a child under age 18.
• Take painkillers as soon as you start to hurt. You’ll probably beat it with a smaller dose than if you wait.
• If you get sick to your stomach when you get a headache, ask your doctor what might help.
• Ask your doctor what to take to avoid a rebound headache , also called a medication overuse headache, which is pain that sets in after a few days of pain relievers.

And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not treat at home.

How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache

When you're upset or under stress, you tense the muscles in your jaw, neck, shoulders, and back without realizing it. That can cause a tension headache. So can poor posture and physical problems in your neck or jaw, such as arthritis or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

In addition to the strategies already described, learning how to relax when you’re in the middle of a headache can help with the pain. Here are some things to try:

Deep breathing. Take slow breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting your diaphragm expand and contract. In a technique called square or box breathing, you inhale to a slow count of 4, hold your breath to a count of 4, breathe out to a count of 4, and then hold your breath again to a count of 4.

Guided imagery. Close your eyes and imagine things you find calm and relaxing. Think waves on the beach or a crackling fire. The feelings you associate with those things may lower your current stress level and help get rid of your headache.

Meditation. This can calm you down and help you let go of tension when a migraine attack or other headache strikes. Start with a minute at a time. Close your eyes, be still, focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts float.

Stretching. Stretching can release muscle tension that's leading to headache pain. Gently stretch your neck by bringing your chin to your chest and by pulling your head lightly toward each shoulder. Forms of exercise that emphasize stretching, including yoga and tai chi, can reduce your stress level.

Progressive muscle relaxation. Starting at your shoulders, tense one group of muscles at a time, then let the tension go. Work your way down your body. 

Exercise. Physical activity can help you boost the level of "feel good" chemicals in your brain that block pain signals. Try taking a walk when a headache strikes.

You might talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you have muscle spasms in your neck.

How to Get Rid of a Sinus Headache

Clogged, blocked, or inflamed sinuses can cause pressure in your face, and lead to a headache. You may feel it around your eyes, cheeks, and even your teeth, and it may get worse if you bend forward or lie down.

There are several strategies you can try to ease the pain, including:

• A saline nasal spray or rinse
• A warm compress on your face
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines if you're having allergy symptoms
• Breathing steam from a vaporizer, shower, or pan of boiling water

If you have a sinus infection, it's best to see our doctor so you can get treated with antibiotics. Experts say that often what you think is a sinus headache is actually caused by migraine — another good reason to see the doctor if this happens to you a lot.

Natural Remedies for Headaches

Natural remedies have been used to get rid of a headaches for centuries. Here's what the science says about a few of them:

Lavender oil. The purple flowers from this shrub produce a scented oil that's an ingredient in a wide variety of personal and household products -- even food. As a form of aromatherapy, it can be used for headaches. One small study found it worked better than a placebo on migraine pain.

Eucalyptus oil. A compound in eucalyptus oil called cineole has been found to help with the pain from a sinus headache when taken in capsule form. That's likely because it acts as a decongestant. You can try rubbing it on your skin or putting a few drops in a steam treatment to breathe in.

Feverfew. This flowering plant is also known as bachelor's button. Researchers have looked into whether dried leaves or chemical extracts from the plant have any effect on migraine. They've found taking it daily might lead to fewer headache days.

Butterbur. Another medicinal plant with a variety of uses, butterbur was once recommended by the American Academy of Neurology for preventing migraine attacks. But that changed because of concerns that chemicals in butterbur supplements may cause serious liver damage.

When to Call Your Doctor

Get medical care right away for:

• A headache that follows a head injury
• A headache along with dizziness, speech problems, confusion, or other neurological symptoms
• A severe headache that comes on suddenly
• A headache that gets worse even after you take pain medications

There are several effective home remedies for headaches, including hot or cold compresses, relaxation, and over-the-counter pain medication. Call your doctor if you have a severe headache that comes on suddenly, a headache following a head injury, or a headache along with neurological symptoms such as confusion, speech problems, or dizziness.

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Headaches: three tips from a neuroscientist on how to get rid of them

Professor of Neuroscience, Durham University

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Amanda Ellison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Everyone experiences headaches. From dull throbbing dehydration headaches to incapacitating migraines, a sore head is an extremely common complaint. This is perhaps especially true at the moment. COVID-19 can cause them , as can sitting at desks for too long and not getting out of the house enough.

When headaches strike, many people’s reaction is to reach for a painkiller. And these can do the job. But a better solution is often to probe the reasons behind the pain – especially if you get similar types of headaches a lot.

Even though they all entail pain, where the pain is can clue us into what type of headache we are experiencing. Pain in the face and forehead are markers of sinus-related headache whilst the sensation of a pneumatic drill somewhere in our cranium is often migraine .

But ultimately, all headaches are caused by vasodilation in the head – the widening of blood vessels near the brain. This stretches sensory receptors in the vessel wall and we feel that sensation as pain.

To understand why we need to think about the constraints the contents of our head are working under. Blood is toxic to brain tissue and so is kept separate through the blood-brain barrier. If a blood vessel leaks or breaks, this results in a haemorrhage and the death of the brain tissue the blood seeps into. So, if our blood vessels dilate beyond comfortable limits, the sensory receptors will fire off signals to the brain, which we interpret as pain.

Headaches are an early warning system. The best way to counteract them is to work out what they are warning us about.

1. Think beyond your head

This means thinking beyond your head. Yes, headache pain is generated somewhere in our head and we feel it in our head and that is why it is called headache. But headache is so much more than that – which is why I’m fascinated by them, have studied them for the past 20 years and recently published a book on the subject.

It’s a two-way street. The cause of our headache can sometimes come from our body or our behaviour. And of course headaches affect both our body and our behaviour. If we see headache as something isolated to our cranium then we will never truly understand its cause, our experience of it, or how we can best mitigate it.

Frequent migraine sufferers intimately understand this and often religiously track their food intake and their activities as well as the weather in order to work out what triggers them. But the normal headache sufferer is often less in tune with the causes of their pain.

Tension headache is a really good example of how this works. It feels like a tight band squeezing around your head with a tonne weight sitting on top for good measure. We are all aware of their occurrence at times of great emotional stress (lockdown homeschooling anyone?) but they can equally be caused by the stress we put on our body, with bad posture for example, or recovery from injury.

Both entail over-activity of the musculature around the head and neck, which sets up an inflammatory response involving prostaglandins and nitric oxide, both of which are chemicals that act to widen blood vessels. Inflammatory chemicals also directly activate the trigeminal nerve – the most complex of the cranial nerves and the one responsible for sensation and movement in the face.

Taking too many things on, rushing around trying to get things done in negative time, and trying to be all things to all people are common behavioural markers that will predict a tension headache. That and the actions we take when the pain begins.

2. Listen to the pain

If you have a pain in your leg, it might stop you from playing in that tennis match or turning up for five-a-side football. You know that if you play on it, you might do more damage and your recovery will take longer. But we don’t tend to do that with headache. We take a painkiller or an anti-inflammatory and carry on as normal even though our pain receptors are screaming at us that there is something wrong.

Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen will act to avert the danger, reducing the inflammation, the dilation and the perception of pain, but the headache will reoccur unless we can address the cause. Sometimes it’s obvious – if you have a sinus headache you’re just going to have to wait for your sinuses to clear, so taking a painkiller or a decongestant may be a good approach – but sometimes our coping strategy can make things worse.

We may decide a bottle of wine and a takeaway is just the kind of treat we need to relax and de-stress. But both lead to dehydration, another ubiquitous cause of headache. With your brain made of more than 70% water, if your kidneys need borrow some to dilute alcohol or salts and spices, it usually comes from this oasis. The brain loses water such that it literally shrinks in volume, tugging on the membranes covering the brain and triggering pain.

3. Use the brain’s natural painkillers

So what else can we do? One way is to lean into the brain’s natural painkiller system and to boost neurochemicals associated with happiness (such as serotonin and oxytocin) and reward (dopamine). Having a laugh at a comedy, enjoying a good friend’s company or indulging in some intimacy with a partner will all boost these hormones to various degrees.

Each block pain signals coming from the body, not only helping you get a handle on your headache but also redressing the balance of neurochemicals that were the mechanism of your upset emotional state.

The knowledge that we can leverage our behaviour and our body to keep our brain’s neurochemicals in balance gives us a way to break the headache cycle. So next time you have a headache for which the causes aren’t glaringly obvious – you’re not otherwise sick and you’ve been keeping hydrated – take a look at your life and see what you can change there. The pain, after all, is trying to tell you something.

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Headaches: treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms.

Do you take aspirin or acetaminophen for all your headaches? For some types of headaches, that's not the best approach. Here's why.

Your head hurts. Again. The first step in foiling your frequent headaches is determining what type of headache you have. Sometimes headaches are a symptom of another disease or condition; sometimes there's no clear cause.

Take a close look at your headache signs and symptoms. Keeping a headache diary might help determine your headache type. Note when your headaches occur, your symptoms, and potential triggers, such as food, stress or changes in sleep.

There are many types and sub-types of headaches. Chronic daily headaches, which occur 15 days or more a month, are one sub-type. Tension-type headaches and migraines are also common sub-types of headaches. They can both be chronic, though they aren't always. Other types of chronic daily headaches include:

• Hemicrania continua, a one-sided headache that can feel like a migraine
• Primary stabbing headaches, which last for a few seconds and can occur several times throughout the day
• Primary exertional headaches, caused by exercise
• Chronic paroxysmal hemicranias, sharp, one-sided headaches that can cause tearing or a congested nose
• Medication overuse headaches, which occur from overusing pain medications for headaches for at least three months. These headaches occur at least 15 days out of the month.

Other headache types include:

• Cluster headaches, which cause severe pain on one side of the head and occur off and on for weeks over the course of a few months. Cluster headaches are associated with one or more signs and symptoms, such as tearing, nasal congestion and nasal discharge. These occur on the same side as the pain.

Tension-type headaches

Tension-type headaches, the most common variety of headaches:

• Might be felt as a tight band of pain around your head, a dull ache or pressure
• Might cause mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head
• Vary widely in frequency
• Can be occasional
• May occur more than 15 days a month (chronic)
• Last from 30 minutes to a week

Most occasional tension-type headaches are easily treated with over-the-counter medications, including:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)

Daily prescription medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, might manage chronic tension-type headaches. Alternative therapies aimed at stress reduction might help. They include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture

Migraines are another common type of headache. They affect three times more women than men. Migraines typically:

• Cause pain that is moderate to severe
• Cause nausea, vomiting, or increased sensitivity to light or sound
• Affect only one side of your head, but can affect both sides
• Worsen with activity such as climbing steps
• Last from four to 72 hours without treatment

Migraine treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks. If you know what triggers your migraines, avoiding those triggers and learning how to manage them can help prevent migraines or lessen the pain. Treatment might include:

• Rest in a quiet, dark room
• Hot or cold compresses to your head or neck
• Massage and small amounts of caffeine
• Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and aspirin
• Prescription medications including triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• Preventive medications such as metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Innopran, Inderal, others), amitriptyline, divalproex (Depakote), topiramate (Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR ,Topamax) or erenumab-aooe (Aimovig)

Recognize emergency symptoms

Seek emergency care if you have:

• A very severe, sudden headache
• Headache after a head injury or fall
• Fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
• Pain that worsens despite treatment

These symptoms suggest a more serious condition, so it's important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Take control

Almost everyone gets headaches, and many are nothing to worry about. But if headaches are disrupting your activities, work or personal life, it's time to see your doctor. Headaches can't always be prevented, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms.

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• Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Headache diary: Keeping a diary can help your doctor help you. National Headache Foundation. https://headaches.org/resources/headache-diary-keeping-a-diary-can-help-your-doctor-help-you/. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The international classification of headache disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38:1.
• Bajwa ZH, et al. Evaluation of headache in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Kasper DL, et al., eds. Headache. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2015. https://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Taylor FR. Tension-type headache in adults: Pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Tension-type headache. American Migraine Foundation. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/tension-type-headache/. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• May A. Cluster headache: Treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• May A. Cluster headache: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 26, 2018.
• Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research. Accessed June 26, 2018.

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Could Your Headache Be Dangerous? 5 Signs To Watch For

Kristen Kendrick

Of all the aches and pains I spend my days investigating as a family doctor, none seem to be as anxiety-provoking as a headache. And that's often true, both for patients wondering, "Could this be something dangerous?" and for clinicians trying to get to the root of pain that can be totally unexplained and yet completely debilitating. Concerns about headaches in my practice have picked up over the past year as we've seen them as a symptom in acute COVID-19 infections and among long-haulers — and more recently when news broke about the (very, very few) brain clots linked to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine . Though we're all one Google search away from assuming a worst-case scenario when a headache strikes, the odds are overwhelmingly in our favor here. Research shows that the vast majority of headaches are what's known medically as "primary," meaning they're not the result of some other underlying condition. In other words, your headache is unlikely to be caused by a serious or life-threatening problem.

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How to pick a doctor (or break up with one).

Dangerous headaches also tend to have some distinctive features and patterns – and they can be hard to ignore. Here's an overview of those red flag symptoms, and when you need same-day or emergency care: The worst headache, in no time flat You may have been told to be wary of a sudden headache, but just how sudden does it have to be to be a red flag? It's a lot quicker than you'd think. We're talking in terms of seconds – the headache comes on fast with an intensity that stops you in your tracks, feels downright unbearable, and the pain peaks within less than a minute or so (although the headache may continue for longer). This is called a thunderclap headache , and patients tend to describe it as explosive, or "the worst headache I've ever had." Mia Minen , a neurologist and chief of headache research at NYU Langone Health, says it's like "the snap of the finger: 10 out of 10 pain." That stands out from a typical headache that tends to creep up over several minutes or an hour, linger a while and get worse as time wears on. Even though other non-life-threatening headache syndromes such as migraine or cluster headaches might still usher in the same pain intensity, those tend to build more gradually or may even be preceded by an aura (sensory symptoms such as tingling or spots in your vision). Thunderclap headaches are a sign of something serious until proven otherwise, given their link to brain bleeds — things such as ruptured aneurysms or other hemorrhages, though they can be related to other masses or lesions in the brain as well. Do not delay medical care with a headache such as this – it's an emergency, so call 911 or have someone help you to an emergency room. That is true for people of any age, with or without a history of headaches, and whether or not it's accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or passing out. Nervous system symptoms My patients and their families will tell you I often belabor the same list of stroke symptoms that we all need to be ready to recognize early. If a headache accompanies one of these symptoms, don't stop to think about the timing or severity, or really anything at all regarding that headache – just call 911. The list of symptoms to watch for includes: abrupt weakness overall or in an arm or a leg, new numbness, changes in speech, confusion or trouble understanding and expressing thoughts clearly, facial droop or sudden trouble walking. It's also critical you get immediate care for changes in consciousness such as difficulty waking up, being in a stupor, passing out or having a seizure. Changes from motion This next group of symptoms deserve same-day attention by your primary care provider. If you don't have one, or can't get a prompt appointment, go to an urgent care clinic. One of the most important questions they will ask you about the headache is what's making the pain better or worse. Take notice if the ache sharpens intensely with day-to-day movements — things such as bending over, rolling over in bed or even bearing down when you're having a bowel movement.

And along the same lines, it may not be an ordinary headache if the pain gets much worse when lying flat and better with sitting or standing. We call that a "postural" headache, and it can be a sign of masses putting pressure on the brain or spinal cord, and has been known to happen with blood-clotting events in the brain. This type can also present as a new morning headache that's severe and might come with vomiting. There's a familiar alternative to this: a headache that gets subtly worse standing up and is better lying down. This can be an indicator of dehydration (or low blood pressure, often caused by dehydration and medicines, among other things). It's really no different than a hangover headache, though I hear complaints of this all the time from patients who admit they live off dehydrating drinks such as coffee or soda. Fortunately there's a quick fix: Drink more water.

But if this type of pain pattern is particularly pronounced with a dramatic increase in pain when you stand up, or you can't reasonably attribute it to being a little dehydrated (i.e., thirsty, with dry lips and scant or darker urine), it's important to get checked out.

Another sign to watch for: Along with the start of your headache, your neck feels so stiff that it's difficult, even painful, to move. This could be a sign that something's brewing in the brain, spinal cord or the fluid surrounding it – meningitis being the big one, and this is worth a same-day medical exam, even if there's no other sign of infection, such as fever.

Deviation from your patterns

Don't get too focused on the pain level of your headache, cautions Peter Goadsby, a UCLA neurologist and president of the American Headache Society.

Instead of fixating on pain severity, think about whether any feature of your headache is out of the ordinary for you. Compare the headache with others you've had over the course of the last few days, weeks or months. "People have a common misconception that if it feels really bad, you're going to die or something dreadful is always happening, and that's just wrong," Goadsby says. He notes common headache disorders – such as migraine, his specialty – can cause terrible pain but aren't necessarily suspicious. It may be helpful to ask yourself, "Is this new for me?" If the answer is yes, it's important to follow up with your doctor. New headache features could be a change in the timing of headache, pain in one area that never switches sides, a new or different aura beforehand or symptoms such as nausea or vomiting that you've never had before. And the same is true for headaches that get progressively worse over time, don't respond to medicines, or any type of headache that keeps coming back for someone who hasn't had trouble with them in the past. Even so, just remember pain level can still signal an emergency if you get that thunderclap-style headache mentioned above, which Goadsby likens to "a baseball bat to the back of the head." Trust your gut For doctors, perhaps the most important factor when we're investigating a headache is nothing to do with the headache itself but instead the person experiencing it. What seems like an innocent headache in a healthy person could be something critical for people with chronic illnesses such as HIV, cancer or even a history of cancer — if this is your situation, you should have a lower threshold to reach out to a doctor with any type of headache that's new. Likewise, it's OK to be more guarded about headaches if you're pregnant, over age 50, have disabilities or have suffered recent trauma such as a fall or concussion. As with most things in the human body, it doesn't help to be too rigid when you're thinking about what's "serious enough" to worry about. When a headache gives you the feeling that something's not right, trust your gut — either get immediate, urgent care or write down all the details in a headache log, take it to your doctor and start asking questions.

Kristen Kendrick is a board-certified family physician in Washington, D.C., and a health and media fellow at NPR and Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.

How you can ease headaches yourself

Headaches can last 30 minutes, several hours, or sometimes several days.

Do drink plenty of water get plenty of rest if you also have a cold or the flu try to relax – stress can make headaches worse take paracetamol or ibuprofen try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you also have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities Don’t

do not drink alcohol

do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)

do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse

do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen

Non-urgent advice: 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
• you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful
• you regularly get headaches before or during your period

Urgent advice: Get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

You or your child has a severe headache and:

• jaw pain when eating
• blurred or double vision
• a sore scalp
• other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs

Also get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:

• a headache that wakes them at night
• a headache when they wake up in the morning
• a headache that gets progressively worse
• a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down
• a headache with vomiting
• a headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• has a head injury – for example, from a fall or accident
• has a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful

You or your child has an extremely painful headache and:

• sudden problems speaking or remembering things
• loss of vision
• feel drowsy or confused
• has a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis
• the white part of the eye is red

Also call 999 or go to A&E if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:

• a headache with vision problems or difficulty speaking, swallowing, balancing or walking
• a headache with drowsiness or a persistent lack of energy
• a headache that starts within 5 days of a head injury

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

What can cause headaches

Common causes of headaches include:

• having a cold or flu
• drinking too much alcohol
• bad posture
• eyesight problems
• not eating regular meals
• not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
• taking too many painkillers
• having your period or during menopause (hormone headache)

Keeping a headache diary might help you work out what triggers your headaches.

The Migraine Trust has advice about what to record in a headache diary

Page last reviewed: 17 April 2024 Next review due: 17 April 2027

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Headaches and Migraines

Nearly all headaches experienced by college students are Tension-type headaches (TTHs). TTHs may be caused by tightening muscles in the back of the neck and/or scalp. It is no surprise that these headaches are the most common type among college students as students are constantly sitting in strained positions (e.g., sitting in uncomfortable lecture chairs while hunching over a book to catch up on readings).

Tension-type Headaches

Three types of tension-type headaches.

• Episodic: infrequent and random – less than one day a month
• Frequent – 1-14 days a month
• Chronic – more than 15 days a month
• Typically, a dull, aching, and non-pulsating pain on both sides of the head
• Head, neck, and shoulder muscle tenderness
• Pain that occurs in the forehead, temples, or the back of the head and/or neck
• Stress and/or anxiety
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Skipping meals
• Alcohol consumption
• Anger and/or depression
• Eye, neck, or back strain

Episodic Tension-type Headaches

This type of headache can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve. If ineffective on its own, you can add a small dose of caffeine. A warm pack on the neck may also relieve the headache.

Frequent/Chronic Tension-type Headaches

See a health professional for diagnosis and consideration of preventive treatment such as amitriptyline (an anticonvulsant). They are used because they have an analgesic (pain killer) property. Some may be prescribed for those who have sleep disturbances.

Migraine Headaches

Genetics play a role in migraine headaches. If one of your parents suffers from migraines you have a 25-50% chance of getting migraines. That increases to 70% if both of your parents suffer from migraines. (webmd.com)

Migraine headaches can last from hours to days and frequency can vary depending on triggers.

Migraine headache symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, and odors.

Women experience migraine headaches more often than men. This may be caused by the woman’s menstrual cycle. 60% of female migraine sufferers can relate the attack to their menstrual cycle. (nhf.com)

Initially, try to treat your migraine with an OTC pain (e.g., Advil or Tylenol) and an anti-nausea (e.g., Gravol) medication. If those do not work see a health care professional to discuss options. You may be prescribed triptans (to constrict blood vessels) or preventive medication like beta-blockers. Cold packs can be used on the forehead and temples. Apply for 15 minutes at a time with 15 minute breaks in between.

“Sinus Headaches”

“Sinus headaches” can refer to headaches caused by acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). These are associated with nasal congestion, nasal discharge, fever, pain, and tenderness over the affected sinus, with a deep dull ache that is exaggerated by head movements. A health care professional should be seen if you think you are experiencing a sinus infection as they will need to determine the proper course of action.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches have severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head and are often present with a watery eye, nasal congestion, or a runny nose on the same side of the face. Cluster headaches appear suddenly and can recur for weeks or months, then disappear for months or years.

Treatment for cluster headaches should be reviewed with a health care professional. They will start medication therapy as early as possible after the headache appears to reduce the length of the cluster period and decrease the severity of the headaches.

Medications can include corticosteroids and antiepileptics (anti-seizure). Over-the-counter (OTC) medications have little effect. These medications are slowly tapered off and then discontinued as the headaches decrease and disappear.

Tips for Headache Relief

• Take frequent breaks while studying to give your eyes, neck, and back a break.
• Use an ergonomic chair.
• Use a non-glare screen over your computer.
• Pain medications are more effective at the beginning, so take medication as soon as possible.
• Have caffeine in moderation (maximum: 400 mg per day) as caffeine withdrawal causes headaches.
• Eat something or drink something high in sugar
• Hydrate with water
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Maintain regular sleep (at least seven hours per night).
• Eat a meal or snack every 3-4 waking hours.
• Practice deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation to help relax and relieve daily stress and anxiety.
• Have a neck massage to help with muscle tension.
• Monitor time spent in front of a TV/computer screen and reduce it if you are experiencing headaches.
• www.webmd.com
• National Headache Foundation

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What to Do If You Get Headaches at Night

Tension headache, hypnic headache, cluster headache, coping and prevention, when to seek medical attention.

Headaches at night are common and can have many causes and triggers, such as neck tension, sinus pressure, or sleep disorders .

Treatments vary based on the the type of headache—such as tension headache , migraine , or hypnic headache —but often include a combination of medications and prevention strategies.

This article covers the basics of nighttime headaches, including their causes and what you can do to treat and prevent them.     

d3sign / Getty Images

Causes of Nighttime Headaches

While mornings are the most common time of day people have headaches, many occur at night. While the exact mechanisms of nighttime headaches aren’t fully understood, they’re likely related to the activity of the hypothalamus , a brain region associated with both pain perception and your natural sleep-wake cycle, known as your circadian rhythm .

As this region changes activity throughout the day and night, it can spur both nighttime headaches as well as those when you wake up.  

As a result, there’s a distinct connection between sleep and headaches, with disruptions of the former leading to the latter. This can arise due to sleep apnea , sleep disruptions or disorders, migraines, teeth and grinding, among other causes.   

Many headaches at night arise due to primary headache disorders, which are those that occur independently of other symptoms and are not caused by another medical condition. Primary headache disorders include tension headaches, migraines, hypnic headaches, and cluster headaches .

Two common secondary causes of nighttime headaches are temporomandibular joint issues like bruxism (teeth grinding) and sleep apnea (in which there are repeated pauses in breathing during sleep). These should be considered and ruled out.

Sleep Disorders and Headache Disorders

There’s a close association between the quality and quantity of sleep you get and the incidence of headache disorders. For instance, people who experience migraines are 2 to 8 times as likely to experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia (inability to fall or stay asleep) and sleep apnea (snoring and breathing disruption during sleep), among others.

By far the most prevalent headache, tension headaches are a common cause of nighttime headache. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week.

Tension headaches cause:

• Duller pain that is not pulsating
• Headache on both sides of the head
• A feeling of pressure, like a vice grip, on both sides
• Pain that's sharper in the scalp, temples, back of the neck, and sometimes the shoulders  

Tension headaches are caused by the contraction of muscles in the scalp and neck. They can also be set off by a number of triggers, including:

• Physical and emotional stress
• Muscle tension and stiffness in the neck
• Holding your head in an awkward position for a long time
• Sleep interruptions; not getting enough sleep
• Sinus infections , common cold, and flu
• Teeth grinding or tooth misalignment
• Alcohol use, smoking, and/or caffeine (excess or withdrawal)
• Physical fatigue; being over-tired

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics , such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve (ibuprofen) and Bayer (aspirin) are typically the first line of treatment for headaches, including tension headaches. The use of these drugs should be monitored, especially in chronic cases.

In more difficult or chronic tension headache cases, medications may be prescribed if OTC drugs aren’t yielding results. These include muscle-relaxers, such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), and tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil ( amitriptyline ) and Palemor ( nortriptyline ).

Medication Overuse Headache

Taking too many OTC drugs and other kinds of pain medication can cause or worsen headaches (a condition called medication overuse headache (MOH) ). The risk for this rises if you take these drugs more than three days a week.

Migraine is a recurring type of headache that is moderate to severe in intensity. Migraine is a relatively common headache disorder that represents about 30% of all headache cases. Attacks of this condition go through stages and last anywhere from four to 72 hours.

Migraine doesn't just cause head pain; its typical symptoms can include:

• Throbbing or pulsing head pain, often on just one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Restlessness
• Changes in mood
• Visual disturbances (auras), such as seeing angular lines or flashes prior to onset

There are several different kinds of migraine, and specific symptoms can vary from person to person.

In some cases, migraine can set on while you’re asleep and wake you up. They most often arise towards the tail end of your sleep cycle, coming on between 4 and 9 AM. While the exact causes of nighttime migraines are not known, poor sleep and sleep disorders can trigger attacks, and they can also be the result of medications wearing off overnight.

Migraine treatments focus both on managing symptoms and developing ways of preventing attacks. If OTC medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, aren’t yielding results, you may be prescribed triptans, such as Imitrex ( sumatriptan ) and Zomig ( zolmitriptan ), among others. In addition, for more difficult cases, several drugs work to prevent attacks. These include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants , including Neurontin (gabapentin) among others
• Monoclonal antibodies like Aimovig (erunumab) and Vyepti (eptinezumab)
• Beta-blockers , such as Lopresor (metoprolol) and Inderal LA (propranolol)
• Botox injection (for difficult cases)

Hypnic headaches are rare and occur exclusively at night, waking people up from sleep. Attacks frequently recur 10 or more times a month and last anywhere from 15 minutes to four hours. They are more common in people over 50 and females.

It’s sometimes called an “alarm clock headache” because symptoms tend to arise at the same time at night.

Though hypnic headaches can be severe, they are generally milder than other kinds.  

The main feature is waking up during the night due to a headache at least 10 times a month for at least three months.

Symptoms may include:

• Recurrent headaches only occur at night
• Dull or throbbing pain affecting one or both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light or sounds
• Runny eyes or nose

A common approach to treating hypnic headache is caffeine, as in a cup of coffee or black tea, before bed. While caffeine can sometimes cause insomnia, it doesn't seem to interfere with a good night's sleep for most hypnic headache patients.

That said, this condition is notoriously difficult to treat. Several other medications and supplements may help provide relief:

• Sibelium (flunarizine)
• Tivorbex (indomethacin)
• Topamax (topiramate)
• Lithium carbonate

Considered the most severe and debilitating of the primary headache disorders, cluster headaches can also arise at night. As the name suggests, they arise in “clusters”—periods of time with multiple attacks in a day—that can last for weeks or even months. These are then followed by significant periods of remission.

Cluster headache symptoms include:

• Unilateral (one-sided), very sharp headache
• Pain typically behind one eye, before moving to the forehead and other parts of the head
• Drooping eye
• Facial swelling
• Facial sweating
• Restlessness and jitteriness

Cluster headaches, like other primary headache disorders, can be challenging to treat. Several treatments take on attacks, including:

• Oxygen therapy : Often the first line of cluster headache treatment, inhaling oxygen from a canister using a respirator can effectively relieve pain. Most cases resolve within 20 minutes of this therapy.
• Triptans : Triptans for cluster headaches typically take the form of nasal sprays or under-the-skin patches rather than tablets. These medications help reduce the duration of attacks. They can also be used for migraines.
• Dihydroergotamine : Injections or nasal sprays of dihydroergotamine may also help with cluster headaches.
• Lidocaine : Nasal drops of lidocaine can also help after cluster headaches have come on. A second dose can be taken after 15 minutes, but you shouldn’t take more than that.
• Emgality ( galcanezumab ) : This is a preventive medication for cluster headaches.
• Occipital and trigeminal nerve blocks : These are injections into the nerves at points on the face or neck to block nerve impulses.

As with migraine, some drugs may also help with prevention. Evidence suggests Verelan ( verapamil ), lithium carbonate, and Topamax may help reduce the frequency of attack.

To help determine the type of headaches you're having and potential causes, your healthcare provider will ask a series of questions about your headaches, such as:

• How frequently they occur
• How long they last
• The severity, such as dull and achy or sharp and piercing
• Whether it is one or both sides of your head

Your healthcare provider will also take a detailed personal and family medical history and ask you about any known health conditions.

In some cases, and especially if your headaches are severe or you have other symptoms, your healthcare provider may order additional tests, such as:

• Blood and urine tests can help identify infections, blood vessel damage, or toxins that affect the nervous system.
• Diagnostic brain imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT scans) , can look for irregularities in blood vessels and bones, certain brain tumors and cysts, brain damage from head injury, bleeding in or around the brain, inflammation, infection, and other brain issues. 
• Spinal tap to look for bleeding in the brain or infections

Prevention strategies are often a key part of an overall treatment plan to help reduce or minimize the frequency and intensity of headaches at night. This may include relaxation strategies, lifestyle changes, complementary therapies, and medical devices.

Relaxation Strategies

Since stress and tension are often at the root of headache problems, working on relaxation therapies is a common means of prevention and minimizing the intensity of attacks. Typically employed strategies include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy : This is a talk therapy that focuses on developing coping strategies, while working to change your perception of your condition.
• Biofeedback : This therapy involves using wearable devices to detect physiological signs of tension and stress, while learning relaxation strategies to prevent and proactively manage attacks.
• Meditation : Meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation can help ease stress, a common migraine trigger.

Lifestyle Changes

A big part of headache treatment involves making significant changes in your lifestyle, while being strategic about how to practically manage your condition. This can involve:

• Getting regular and consistent exercise
• Ensuring you are eating healthy meals and aren’t skipping meals
• Getting enough sleep and going to bed, and waking up at consistent times
• Take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga, gardening, or others
• Avoiding dietary and other types of triggers for migraines
• Work on good head and shoulder posture when using a computer, pad, or other screen.
• If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), have it treated.

Keep a Headache Diary

Critical in managing a primary headache disorder like migraine, hypnic headache, or cluster headaches is learning about your condition. This means recording what medications you’re taking, tracking when headaches arise and how severe they are, and any triggers you’re finding.

Learn More: Making a Headache Diary Template

Complementary Therapies

Some evidence has shown some complementary therapies that can accompany other treatments to help with headaches. Stretching-oriented activities like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are all options.

Additionally, the supplements riboflavin, magnesium , or co-enzyme Q10 may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Medical Devices

In chronic, difficult to manage headache cases, neurostimulation is another option to manage pain. This involves using magnetic fields or mild electrical shocks to stimulate nerves associated with pain perception. Overstimulating these nerve pathways blocks pain perception, and, in some cases, prevents headaches. Among these devices are:

• Trigeminal nerve stimulators, like Cefaly
• Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulators, such as eNeura
• Remote electrical neuromodulation device ( transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS ) , such as Neurivo

If your headaches at night wake you up from sleep or make it difficult for you to fall asleep, you should see a healthcare provider. You should also check in with a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Your headache lasts more than a few days.
• Your headaches change in pattern or intensity.
• You have headaches often and there is no known cause

While headaches can be very debilitating, not all of them require medical attention. However, especially if you live with a condition like a migraine, cluster, or hypnic headache, it’s important to know the signs that you do need help.

Get emergency medical care help if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness following an impact to the head
• Very rapid onset of headache
• Pain that is unusually severe
• Headache getting worse for 14 or more hours
• Headache is the worst you've ever experienced
• Repeated vomiting
• Vision problems
• Severe pain or redness in one eye
• Problems with limb coordination
• Loss of balance, vertigo
• Fever and neck stiffness
• Trouble chewing and/or swallowing
• Neurological symptoms, such as memory or speaking problems
• Personality or mood changes
• You develop a headache right after physical activities

Does a Headache at Night Mean a Brain Tumor?

Most headaches at night are not caused by brain tumors. However, it may occur in rare cases. Brain tumors can increase pressure within the skull and cause headaches that typically worsen over time. Other possible symptoms of brain tumors include seizures , nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or balance changes.

Nighttime headaches can arise due to a range of disorders and health issues. In particular, this issue can be a feature of tension, migraine, and cluster headaches and is the primary symptom of hypnic headache. While the exact causes aren’t known, they’re linked to the activity of the hypothalamus.

Nighttime headache symptoms vary depending on the headache type. Tension headaches cause duller pain and pressure on both sides of the head. More severe migraine headaches focus on one side, with attacks also causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Cluster headaches arise as groupings of severe headaches within a short period of time (clusters). Lastly, hypnic are headaches that arise exclusively while you’re sleeping.

Treatments for nighttime headaches focus on managing symptoms, preventing attacks, and making positive lifestyle changes. OTC and prescription medications are available to ease pain when they occur. Additionally, ensuring proper and healthy sleep, not skipping meals, and managing stress can also help.

A Word From Verywell

When it comes to nighttime headaches, different causes of headaches have different treatments. Since the appropriate treatment can range from a simple cup of coffee to prescription medication, give your healthcare provider as much detail about your headache as you can so they can arrive at the right diagnosis (and the right treatment) for you as soon as possible.

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Sleep Foundation. What is causing your morning headache?

American Migraine Foundation. Sleep disorders and headache .

MedlinePlus. Tension headache .

American Migraine Foundation. Understanding migraine medications .

American Migraine Foundation. Hypnic headache .

Lindner D, Scheffler A, Nsaka M, Holle-Lee D. Hypnic Headache - what do we know in 2022? Cephalalgia . 2023;43(3):3331024221148659. doi:10.1177/03331024221148659

Liang JF, Wang SJ. Hypnic headache: A review of clinical features, therapeutic options and outcomes .  Cephalalgia . 2014;34(10):795-805. doi:10.1177/0333102414537914

Torkamani M, Ernst L, Cheung L, Lambru G, Matharu M, Jahanshahi M. The neuropsychology of cluster headache: cognition, mood, disability, and quality of life of patients with chronic and episodic cluster headache. Headache . 2015;55(2):287-300. doi:10.1111/head.12486

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By Mark Gurarie Gurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.  

What can the location of your headache really tell you? Experts explain

Plus a headache chart that can give you some idea what's going on

When it comes to aches and pains you don’t want to experience in your body, a headache is up there. But, while all headaches suck, they’re not created equal. There are actually several types of headaches, and they can show up in different areas of your head. That's why a headache chart can come in really handy.

Also, more common types of headaches can show up in a few different places: your sinus region (i.e., the center of your head and under your eyes), behind your eye, or on one side of your head. The reason? 'Headaches are often triggered, [and] the trigger typically drives the location of the headache,' says Amit Sachdev , MD, the director of the division of neuromuscular medicine at Michigan State University. 'For example, sinus and tension headaches tend to be the front of the face. Headaches associated with neck spasm tend to drive back of the head symptoms.'

Okay, so what are the different types of headaches and how can you figure out what's bothering you? Here’s everything you need to know.

Wait, so is the location of your headache important?

Again, where your headache is happening is and isn’t important. 'Location can play a role in determining the type of headache, but it’s not everything,' notes Jared Pomeroy , MD, MPH, a neurologist with Spectrum Health.

Different types of headaches can cause pain in the same area of your head, says Dr. Zhang, making location a tricky way to self-diagnose headaches.

Okay, got it. Then what are the most common types of headaches?

Headaches come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. In general, your headaches can be broken into the following groups.

Tension headache

A tension headache is the most common type of headache, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). It's usually brought on by stress or a result of muscle tension in your head, scalp, or neck. This type of headache usually makes you feel like a band is squeezing your head (fun!).

Tension headaches generally cause pain across the forehead or on both sides and the back of the head, according to the Mayo Clinic . They tend to come on slowly, and are usually mild to moderate.

Cluster headache

A cluster headache usually causes pain in and around one of your eyes or the side of your head, per the Mayo Clinic . It's considered rare compared to other types of headaches, and it's more common in men than women. It usually happens in phases called cluster periods and each attack generally lasts one to three hours, with the pain building up to a peak in 10 to 15 minutes

Besides the sudden onset of pain, you may also experience restlessness or agitation, red or watering eyes, a stuffy nose, sweating on the forehead, and eyelid drooping or swelling, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine .

The exact cause of cluster headaches isn’t known, but certain medications like nitroglycerin (a drug used to treat heart disease) can play a role, per the Mayo Clinic. 'This can be one of the worst headaches you have,' says Medhat Mikhael , MD, a pain management specialist and the medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. 'It can feel like someone is poking a knife through your eye.'

Sinus headache

Sinus headaches generally feel like you’re having pain in your forehead, the bridge of your nose, or behind your cheekbones, according to the Cleveland Clinic . The pain usually gets worse when you move your head suddenly, and you may feel a constant dull ache.

This type of headache is a sign of a sinus infection, which causes pressure and pain in your face. You'll also have a fever, stuffy nose, thick and coloured mucus from the nose, feeling of fullness in the ears, and a puffy face. Anything from the common cold , seasonal allergies , nasal polyps, and a deviated septum could be to blame.

Heads up, though: Most of the time what people call a sinus headache is actually a migraine with nasal symptoms. Note that your discharge will be clear if you have a migraine.

Migraine headache

A migraine is a severe headache that usually causes pounding or throbbing pain on one side of your head. In addition to pain, they can also cause nausea and sensitivity to light, noise, or smell. Women are three times more likely than men to have migraines, per the Cleveland Clinic .

The cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they tend to run in families. You may also be more susceptible if you have a high stress level or are a smoker.

Migraines can be triggered by a slew of things, including stress, hormonal changes, light, certain foods and drinks, skipping a meal, caffeine, and lack of sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic .

Can COVID-19 cause headaches?

A headache is one of the main symptoms of COVID-19 , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), besides the usual fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle or body aches.

'Headache is very common in COVID-19 infections,' Dr. Sachdev says. 'These typically look like tension style headaches with the forehead or face aching.'

To get relief, Dr. Mikhael recommends using an anti-inflammatory medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adequate hydration and some caffeinated products can also help, he adds.

When should you worry about your headache?

Dr. Sachdev recommends keeping an eye out for 'red flag' symptoms that indicate you should seek treatment soon, such as:

• Systemic symptoms like a fever or night sweats
• Weakness that’s new
• Numbness that’s new
• A 'thunderclap' headache that comes out of nowhere and feels like the worst headache of your life

You’ll also want to see your doctor if you’re having regular headaches that cause you to treat it with over-the-counter medication more than four days a month, says Dr. Pomeroy. 'If your headache is affecting your work or having a significant impact on your life, you really owe it to yourself to speak to your physician,' he adds.

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11 Top COVID Symptoms to Be Aware of During the Summer Surge

FLiRT, a name being used to describe multiple variants, is the dominant strain right now. But LB.1 is also on the rise.

• KP.3.1.1 — which comes from the JN.1 strain — is now the most dominant variant, accounting for an estimated 27.8% of cases.
• The symptoms are similar to other COVID strains. Being sick and experiencing a chronic cough, elevated fever, sore throat or a runny nose should prompt you to get a COVID-19 test to ensure you are not contagious.

Is there a summer surge?

What are the symptoms, how long do symptoms last, is there a new vaccine, how to protect yourself.

If it seems like more people around you have gotten COVID in the last couple of months, that's probably true. Right now, cases are on the rise and the COVID-19 FLiRT variants are dominating.

According to the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released on August 3rd, 27.8% of cases are the KP.3.1.1 strain and 20.1% of current infections are KP.3. Both of these variants stem from the FLiRT family of the coronavirus. Another variant that is not a descendant of FLiRT, named LB.1, makes up an estimated 16% of COVID-19 cases at the moment.

“The FLiRT variant appeared in March,” says Tammy Lundstrom, M.D., J.D. , the senior vice president at Trinity Health who led their COVID-19 response . “Throughout the COVID-19 era, new strains have continued to arise. Like other strains , it appears highly transmissible, but it does not appear more virulent at this point.”

While it's great that COVID-19 cases don't seem to be as dangerous as they used to be, it still causes unpleasant symptoms which can be severe for people with certain risk factors. Unfortunately, just 22.5% of American adults had received the most recent COVID-19 vaccine as of May 11, 2024 (when the latest data was released). Could this be contributing to the summer surge we're experiencing? We turned to experts to learn more about the newest variants, important COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What are the FLiRT and LB.1 variants?

As fun as the name sounds, FLiRT is not the official designation for the dominant COVID-19 variant. That is actually a cheeky nickname for a whole family of different variants (any that start with KP). “The FLiRT variants came to the forefront at the end of April,” says Nikhil K. Bhayani, M.D. , FIDSA, an infectious disease specialist and assistant professor at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University .

KP.2, KP.2.3, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 are official names of the FLiRT variants that are circulating right now. While FLiRT took over JN.1 as the dominant variant , it's actually a descendant of JN.1. Essentially, the “parent” variant (JN.1) was unseated by several “child” variants. Various variations of JN.1 are still swirling in some capacity, but they make up a smaller percentage of COVID-19 cases. LB.1, another variant that has been circulating this summer, is not a member of the FLiRT family, but another descendant of JN.1.

Yes, the wastewater viral activity for COVID-19 — how the CDC tracks trends in infectious disease circulating in a community — is currently listed as “very high,” according to the most recent CDC data . However, a summer surge is not unique to FLiRT.

“Throughout the COVID-19 era, we have seen a rise in infections during summer,” says Dr. Lundstrom. Two reasons for this, according to the CDC , are that people tend to do more traveling during the summer and also congregate indoors with air conditioners on when it's very hot outside.

The good news is that the FLiRT and LB.1 strains of the coronavirus don’t seem to spark any surprise symptoms. “The symptoms are similar to other COVID-19 strains,” says Dr. Lundstrom. The CDC updated its list of possible symptoms on June 25th, and those include:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea or vomiting

“Like similar recent strains, the incidence of loss of taste and smell are not prominent," adds Lundstrom.

It really depends on the person. Typically, people with mild cases will experience symptoms for 5-10 days, however, many may start to feel better sooner than that. According to the CDC, most people with long COVID will start to feel better after three months , although it can last years. It's best to speak to your doctor if any of your symptoms are lingering.

Our experts said that vaccines still provide good protection against COVID-19, “especially against severe illness and hospitalization,” says Dr. Lundstrom. However, a study published in April found that KP.2 is proving to have “the most significant resistance” to the 2023-24 COVID-19 booster , and that this “increased immune resistance ability of KP.2 partially contributes to the higher” prevalence of infections “than previous variants, including JN.1.”

At the end of June, the CDC recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, which was tweaked based on the most dominant variants circulating this year. The most updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be rolled out this fall . “The World Health Organization is recommending the upcoming COVID booster to be based on the predominant lineage for the year,” adds Dr. Bhayani.

However, the CDC and our experts still recommend the current vaccine to protect yourself before the 2024-25 booster is made available in the fall. “Adults over the age of 65 should get the last COVID-19 vaccine available,” says Bhayani. Dr. Lundstrom suggests that older adults “should be vaccinated four months after their last vaccination” and those with compromised immune systems “should get vaccinated two months after their last dose.”

In March, the CDC updated the Respiratory Virus Guidance as COVID-19 cases have decreased over time. “It is still an important health threat, but it is no longer the emergency that it once was, and its health impacts increasingly resemble those of other respiratory viral illnesses, including flu and RSV,” the new guidance states.

“The same precautions will help protect against the spread of most respiratory viruses: wash hands frequently , cover your mouth and nose when sneezing/coughing, stay up to date with vaccinations and stay home when ill to prevent spreading infection to others,” suggests Dr. Lundstrom. However, Dr. Bhayani reminds us that the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems and kids “should take extra precautions, such as avoiding large crowds and wear masks if COVID-19 cases are on the rise locally.”

If you do get sick, the CDC still recommends staying at home until your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Afterward, you can resume normal activities and “use added prevention strategies over the next five days.”

Irina Gonzalez is an editor and a freelance writer based in Colorado, covering parenting, recovery, and Latinx culture. In her spare time, you can find her exploring her colorful state with her husband and spunky toddler. Follow her on Instagram at @msirinagonzalez .

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Getting headaches after Tropical Storm Debby? This is the likely cause

Have headaches appeared since Tropical Storm Debby moved through Georgia and the Savannah area?

There is likely a reason for that, and it's not just the stress associated with Debby's continuous rainfall.

Sudden barometric pressure changes during tropical systems can cause sinus pressure resulting in a chemical imbalance and headache, the Nebraska University Health Center says.

What is a barometric pressure headache?

Barometric pressure is the weight of the air. The pressure is higher when it's dry and lower when wet. The humidity associated with a tropical system often plummets barometric pressure quickly, causing quick changes to sinus pressure.

Around noon on Aug. 5, Savannah's barometric pressure was near 1,020 millibars but dropped below 1,000mb late Tuesday and into early Wednesday, the National Weather Service recorded at Fort Pulaski. It was up to 101.3mb midday Wednesday.

The average sea level barometric pressure is around 1,013mb, and a tropical storm is categorized as a hurricane if the pressure drops below 980mb.

Symptoms of a barometric headache, according to healthline.com :

• nausea and vomiting
• increased sensitivity to light
• numbness in the face and neck
• pain in one or both temples

For ways to lessen the affects of barometric pressure headaches, follow steps provided by health.clevelandclinic.org.