Category: Wellness knowledge

Sudden, extremely severe pain, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or high fever with a stiff neck needs emergency care. Do not use an illustration to rule out an emergency. 

This Chăm mình article develops ideas from Dr. Shuu-Jiun Wang’s (王署君) conversation on 博音 EP246. Practical guidance was checked against the clinical sources below. General education for adults; this article has not received individual clinician review.

1. Three patterns to understand, rather than self-diagnose

Tension-type headache commonly feels pressing or tightening on both sides. The name does not mean every episode comes from worrying; sleep and other factors may also be involved.

Migraine often brings throbbing pain, sometimes on one side, with nausea or sensitivity to light or sound. Not everyone with migraine has one-sided pain.

Cluster headache is rarer: extremely severe pain around one eye, possibly with tearing or redness on the same side and restlessness. It needs assessment and specific treatment; ordinary paracetamol or ibuprofen does not treat these attacks.

Dr. Wang also distinguishes headache types in the original discussion. Symptoms can overlap, and other causes are possible.

2. Start with what helps you feel comfortable

During a familiar migraine, try a quiet room, softer light and a cool pack wrapped in cloth if that feels soothing. Do not place ice directly on skin. These measures support comfort and do not replace your advised medicine or treatment plan.

Between episodes, regular meals, enough water and a reasonably consistent sleep schedule are practical starting points. Self-care need not become a long list to perform perfectly. Begin with the part of your routine that is easiest to overlook.

3. If you want to try Hegu acupressure

Hegu, or LI-4, is on the back of the hand between the bases of the thumb and index finger. MSK describes firm, non-painful circular pressure for about 2–3 minutes. Its linked guide provides pictures to locate the point and follow the steps.

Do not use this point during pregnancy, or over broken, irritated or infected skin. This is an optional comfort measure, not a way to identify the cause of a headache or delay assessment of unusual symptoms.

Something that helps you feel more comfortable does not necessarily treat the cause. Both ideas belong in self-care.

4. Notice patterns without blaming a single meal

One headache after a meal or late night does not establish a cause. Record dates, duration, symptoms, medicines, meals, sleep and effects on daily life. If you notice a menstrual pattern, include that for discussion at your appointment.

The purpose is to notice a repeating pattern and help a clinician understand your experience, not to track every detail perfectly. For frequent or hard-to-control pain, bring that record to an appointment instead of continually adding isolated remedies.

5. Recognise when you need support

Book an assessment if headaches recur, worsen or interfere with life. New severe eye pain, vision changes, or a new or severe headache during pregnancy or after birth needs urgent assessment. A first episode of a drooping eyelid or unequal pupils needs emergency care, even if you suspect cluster headache.

One small step today is to record your most recent episode and what helped or did not help. If your next question is whether to take a painkiller, the related article below explores that decision.

Seek emergency care for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or high fever with a stiff neck. Do not wait for a painkiller to work in these situations.

Developed by Nương Nương from headache specialist Dr. Shuu-Jiun Wang’s (王署君) discussion on 博音 EP246, with the clinical guidance linked below. General education for adults; this article has not received individual clinician review.

1. Pain relief can be a sensible choice

When discussing fear of medicine, Dr. Wang does not present enduring pain as a way to train pain tolerance. The useful takeaway is to seek appropriate relief when pain disrupts life. This paraphrases his discussion; it does not mean every headache should be self-treated.

Ask both “What could help me feel better now?” and “Why does this keep happening?” A suitable medicine may answer the first. The second may need a conversation with a clinician.

2. Read the active ingredients first

Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, appears in many pain-relief and cold-and-flu products. Check every product you are taking to avoid duplication; an overdose can damage the liver. Follow the packet or your prescription, including dose intervals and limits.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Do not add another NSAID, such as naproxen, yourself. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitability if you are pregnant, have had stomach ulcers, liver or kidney disease, asthma or painkiller reactions, or take other medicines. One option does not suit everybody.

3. Timing belongs to your headache plan

If you have diagnosed migraine, follow your agreed plan for an attack. NHS guidance advises taking a painkiller when the headache starts; you do not need to wait until pain is severe before following the advice you have been given.

That does not mean taking medicine pre-emptively for every unfamiliar symptom. A new severe headache, a substantial change in pattern or a worrying new symptom needs assessment. A medicine that works for a friend is also not enough information to choose your own treatment.

4. Notice when taking tablets becomes routine

Using acute headache medicine too frequently can contribute to medication-overuse headache. This is a clinical diagnosis involving the medicine, headache frequency and duration of use. It is not a reason to label yourself “addicted” after reaching a single number.

Arrange a review if you need medicine on more and more days, it no longer helps as before, or headaches disrupt work and sleep. Do not simply increase doses, cycle through products or abruptly stop prescribed treatment yourself. A clinician can review acute treatment and consider appropriate prevention.

When pain keeps returning, the next useful addition may be a care plan, rather than another tablet.

5. Bring a clearer picture to your appointment

You do not need to remember every episode. Briefly record the date, duration, pain, accompanying symptoms, medicine taken and effect on daily life. Medicine names and days of use are as useful to note as pain severity.

Later in the interview, Dr. Wang discusses control and prevention when headaches recur. A simple record gives that conversation a starting point: what happens, what you have tried, and what you want to be able to do more comfortably.

6. Choose the next step for this episode

For familiar pain without warning signs, check the medicine instructions and your existing care plan. If ingredients or suitability are unclear, take the packet to a pharmacist. For frequent, persistent or worsening headaches, book an assessment instead of repeatedly changing medicines.

Alongside the emergency signs above, headache following a head injury or with loss of vision needs emergency assessment. A new or severe headache during pregnancy or after birth needs urgent medical advice. Taking care of yourself includes recognising when to ask for help.