Primary Care

Self-Care Tips | Headache

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A headache is a pain in the head.

Symptoms of a headache

•  Mild head pain that appears gradually
• A squeezing sensation in the temples, forehead, or back of head

What you can do to treat a headache

• Drink more water
• Quit smoking
• Stick to a regular schedule for sleeping and eating
• Use relaxation techniques
• Avoid caffeine
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• Get regular exercise
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol
• Avoid too much sun or getting overheated

When to call your primary care provider

• Severe head pain that appears suddenly
• A headache that lasts more than two weeks
• Headache accompanied by a fever and stiff neck
• Headaches causing changes in vision or speech
• A headache and numbness or weakness on one part of the body
• Confusion, memory loss
• Blackouts
• Headache is not relieved by over-the-counter medication

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