Headaches and how to treat them

Headaches affect nearly everyone at some point in their life. Understanding which type of headache you have will help you make an informed choice about your care.

 
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Most headaches aren’t serious

The majority of headaches – even bad headaches – are not due to any serious underlying health problem. Doctors sometimes call these 'primary headaches', meaning there is no secondary (other) cause.

Most headaches aren’t serious and can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain relief medicines, or lifestyle changes, such as eating regular meals or getting more sleep.

However it is important to know which pain relief medicines will help, and how and when to use them.

Read on to learn more about medication overuse headache, signs and symptoms that may point to a more serious cause for your headache, and when to consult a doctor or seek immediate help for a proper diagnosis and treatment.