How to get rid of less common headaches
Painkiller headaches
Although painkillers can be an effective way to manage headache pain, they can actually trigger more headaches if you use them too often. Painkiller or ‘medication overuse’ headaches usually happen if you use painkillers for more than 15 days a month.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), painkiller headaches can affect up to 5% of some populations, with more women than men affected.
Treatment involves stopping taking the painkillers, but you may need to do this with the help of your doctor. Find more about treating painkiller headaches.
Cluster headache
These rare headaches are extremely painful attacks that affect 1 side of the head, often around the eye. They’re much more common in men than women.
They can be treated with medication or oxygen therapy. In some cases, preventative treatment may also be needed.
Read more about the symptoms and treatment of cluster headaches.
Temporal arteritis
Also called giant cell arteritis, this is a condition when the arteries at the sides of your head (temples) become inflamed – which can cause frequent, severe headaches.
It needs urgent treatment, so if you suddenly develop a severe headache along with pain at the temples, jaw pain or other symptoms, get medical advice right away.
Find out about temporal arteritis treatment.
Thunderclap headache
Not particularly common, these sudden, striking headaches can be a sign of bleeding in the brain. You will often get additional symptoms such as vomiting, being sick or feeling faint, and need to seek immediate medical attention.
How your pharmacy can help with headaches
It’s always worth asking your nearest pharmacy for help treating headaches – they can recommend suitable pain-relief drugs, as well as supplements that might help. They’re also generally open at times when your doctor may not be available.
When headaches are more serious
Remember, headaches are very common – they’re rarely a sign of anything serious.
But certain symptoms mean you should see a doctor to check for an underlying cause, or get urgent medical help – so check these headache red flags.