Most headaches aren’t serious. However, some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
Most headaches aren’t serious and usually settle without treatment. Some people can get them for no specific reason, but sometimes they occur following a specific cause. Some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as meningitis, stroke, or following a head injury.
Possible causes include:
an illness such as flu
dehydration
stress or tiredness
exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures
excess alcohol or other drug use.
If someone has a headache, help them to sit or lie down somewhere quiet and give them a cold compress to hold against their head.
If the casualty is an adult, you can suggest they take the recommended dose of painkillers, like paracetamol. If the casualty is a child, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup.
Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 or anyone who is known to be allergic.
Seek medical advice if the casualty:
does not improve
develops a severe and incapacitating pain
has pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
has blurred or double vision
has pain accompanied by loss of strength or sensation, or by impaired level of response, as this could indicate early signs of a stroke
has pain following a head injury that is not settling or is getting worse
has pain accompanied by a stiff neck and sensitivity to light; this could indicate that the casualty has meningitis.
