Why you should never ignore recurring headaches

If you often have headaches that refuse to go away, you might want to stop brushing them off as just stress or lack of sleep. Health experts warn that constant headaches could be a sign of something s...

Young man having headache
If you often have headaches that refuse to go away, you might want to stop brushing them off as just stress or lack of sleep.
Health experts warn that constant headaches could be a sign of something serious like migraines, high blood pressure, or even brain-related illnesses.

When should you be worried?

A worried woman
Medical professionals say not all headaches are harmless. If you notice your headaches come with vomiting, dizziness, or blurry vision, it’s time to take them seriously.
Some common causes of persistent headaches include:
  • Migraine: This type of headache usually affects one side of the head and can last for hours. It often comes with nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
  • High blood pressure: When your blood pressure rises, it can put pressure on the nerves in your brain, leading to headaches.
  • Sinus infections: If you have nasal congestion along with headaches, it might be due to sinus problems. The pain is usually felt around the forehead, eyes, and nose.
  • Eye strain: Staring at screens for too long or not using prescribed glasses can put pressure on your eyes, leading to headaches.

Could it be a sign of something bigger?

Stressed Employee at work PHOTO: PeopleImages | Getty Images
Doctors warn that if a headache refuses to go away despite taking painkillers, it could be linked to a more serious health condition.
If you experience sudden dizziness, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness in any part of your body along with the headache, seek medical attention immediately.
Brain tumours, for example, can cause constant headaches that get worse over time. If you notice symptoms like vomiting, difficulty walking, or slurred speech, do not ignore them.

What can you do?

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 11, 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a daily press briefing on COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, at the WHO heardquaters in Geneva. Congressional Republicans on April 16, 2020 urged President Donald Trump to condition US funding for the World Health Organization on the resignation of its chief over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Seventeen Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said they had “lost faith” in Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s WHO leadership, even as they stressed the organization is vital to tackling the world’s health problems. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
If headaches have become a regular part of your life, try these remedies:
  • Stay hydrated, as dehydration can trigger headaches.
  • Reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
  • Cut down on excessive screen time to avoid eye strain.
  • Make sure you get enough rest and proper sleep.
If your headache keeps coming back, don’t just keep popping painkillers. Visit a doctor to find out the real cause before it turns into something more dangerous.
Musa Adekunle

Guardian Life

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