After Hours Doctor Perth Pro Advice for Dealing With Headaches

Everyone has experienced a headache at some point, but research shows as many as 15% of Australians are currently taking medication to relieve a headache. Headaches can vary in intensity from the dull niggle to a thumping, debilitating pain in the face, head or neck. Headaches can be categorised as primary, which is unrelated to any injury or illness and secondary that can be traced to an underlying health issue. So, here the After Hours Doctor Perth team offer some advice to help you deal with your headaches.

Primary Headaches

This type of headache is the most common and can include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches that are often caused by bad posture, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration or eye strain.

The most frequent cause of headaches is dehydration. The lack of electrolytes and fluids can quickly result in a headache. It can be easy to become dehydrated, particularly in a hot Australian summer, where exercising or working outdoors in the hot temperatures can lead to excessive perspiration. Drinking caffeinated beverages can also contribute to dehydration as caffeine is a diuretic, which makes you urinate more frequently.

So, if a headache suddenly strikes you, try drinking a glass of water or an oral rehydration solution to replace lost electrolytes. This may relieve your headache before you need to take any medications.

Migraines typically cause severe throbbing pain, often on one side of your head. You may also experience sensitivity to light, touch, sounds, and smells, and nausea. Migraines can often be triggered by particular foods or drinks, sleep issues, exposure to certain chemicals or emotional circumstances such as excitement or stress. Migraines can last from a few hours to several days as the blood vessels leading to your brain are spasming. Your After Hours doctor can help you create a preventative plan and provide adequate pain management, as standard pain relievers may not alleviate your migraine symptoms.

Secondary Headaches

These types of headaches can be caused by an underlying condition such as a concussion or head injury, or as a medication side effect. Women may also experience secondary headaches that are triggered by hormone fluctuations, so they may struggle before a period or when they begin taking oral contraceptives.

People often find themselves with a headache when they feel unwell. For example, a headache is a common symptom when you have a cold, flu, allergic reactions or sinusitis. Many illnesses can cause a headache, so it is essential to ensure that you remain hydrated if you’re feeling under the weather, as you don’t want to add a headache to your other symptoms.

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, you find over the counter pain medications do not adequately treat your headache, or if you have a severe headache that prevents you from sleeping or working, you should speak to your local doctor.

If you’re struggling with headaches and want to find an "after hours doctor near me," you can rely on us. The After Hours Doctor Perth team is available to address your queries or concerns.

If you would like further guidance to improve your health and wellbeing from an after hours GP, Perth residents should call us.