Treatment:

Certain things may cause your headaches. For example, some people get headaches after drinking alcohol or eating certain foods. These are called triggers. You should identify your specific triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of sleep, and to avoid stress as much as possible.

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help. If your headaches are severe, your doctor may prescribe other medicines.

If your headaches become frequent and interfere in daily functioning, your doctor may prescribe medicine to take everyday to prevent them. Such medicines include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.

Expectations (prognosis):

Avoiding triggers and taking the appropriate medicine can help manage headache symptoms in many people.

Complications:

Rebound headaches may occur from overuse of medications. It is important to only use medication as directed.

Calling your health care provider:

It is important to have a full medical and neurological exam if you suddenly have regular headaches, if your headaches are more severe than in the past, or if new symptoms develop along with the headaches.

Also call your health care provider if your current treatment does not help your headaches.