headaches most days
Frequent or daily headaches require careful clinical evaluation to distinguish between primary headache disorders and potential secondary causes.
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Do not enter personal or identifying details — no name, Emirates ID, passport number, phone, email, address or date of birth. Describe symptoms only. Results are anonymous, are not linked to a patient record, and this tool is not a diagnosis. Results pages are excluded from search engines. To discuss anything confidential, WhatsApp or call the clinic instead.
Possible causes
- 01
Chronic Tension-Type Headache
commonA common primary headache disorder occurring 15 or more days per month, often presenting as a bilateral, pressing, or tightening pain of mild to moderate intensity.
Evidence
- NICE CKS: Headache - tension-type (2023)
- 02
Medication-Overuse Headache
commonAn overlooked cause of daily headaches triggered by the frequent or daily use of acute headache medications like triptans, opioids, or simple analgesics.
Evidence
- NICE: Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (CG150)
- 03
Chronic Migraine
possibleMigraine headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months, with at least 8 days meeting criteria for a migraine attack.
- 04
Secondary Headache Disorders
less commonHeadaches caused by underlying conditions such as sinus inflammation, dental issues, high blood pressure, or more rarely, intracranial structural lesions.
Evidence
- Mayo Clinic: Secondary headaches evaluation
Recommended tests
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A comprehensive clinical history and neurological examination by a GP are essential to diagnose the specific headache type.
Guideline
- NICE: CG150 Headache Assessment Guidelines
Full body blood test
→80+ marker screen — CBC, thyroid, liver, kidney, iron, vitamin D, HbA1c, lipids, hormones.
Why: Helps rule out systemic inflammatory, metabolic, or infectious causes that may present with chronic headaches.
Guideline
- NHS: Headache diagnosis and blood tests
When to worry
- Sudden onset of a severe headache that peaks within seconds (thunderclap headache)
- Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or a non-blanching rash
- New-onset headache with focal neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or vision changes
- Headache that worsens with coughing, straining, or changing posture
- New headache in individuals over 50 years of age or those with a history of cancer
Sources & guidelines
This triage is grounded in mainstream clinical guidance. Every case is reviewed in person by a British-trained GP before any diagnosis or prescription.
- NICE: Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (CG150)
Related
Book a British-trained GP to review this properly
This is an AI triage. Every real diagnosis, prescription and test at Aafiyah is signed off by a GP. WhatsApp us — reception already has your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so we can book you in with the right prep in place.
This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
Symptom checker questions
What could cause headaches most days?+
Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A common primary headache disorder occurring 15 or more days per month, often presenting as a bilateral, pressing, or tightening pain of mild to moderate intensity. Medication-Overuse Headache: An overlooked cause of daily headaches triggered by the frequent or daily use of acute headache medications like triptans, opioids, or simple analgesics. Chronic Migraine: Migraine headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months, with at least 8 days meeting criteria for a migraine attack. Secondary Headache Disorders: Headaches caused by underlying conditions such as sinus inflammation, dental issues, high blood pressure, or more rarely, intracranial structural lesions.
What tests would help for headaches most days?+
GP consultation — A comprehensive clinical history and neurological examination by a GP are essential to diagnose the specific headache type. Full body blood test — Helps rule out systemic inflammatory, metabolic, or infectious causes that may present with chronic headaches.
When should I worry about headaches most days?+
Sudden onset of a severe headache that peaks within seconds (thunderclap headache) Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or a non-blanching rash New-onset headache with focal neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or vision changes Headache that worsens with coughing, straining, or changing posture New headache in individuals over 50 years of age or those with a history of cancer
Is this AI symptom checker a diagnosis?+
No. It's a triage tool that suggests possible causes and the tests that would help narrow them down. Every real diagnosis and prescription at Aafiyah is made by a British-trained GP after a proper consultation.
Is it safe to describe my symptoms here?+
Yes. Your symptom text is used to fetch triage information and stored anonymously as a shareable page. No personal or medical details (name, ID, contact) are attached.
What if I might be having an emergency?+
If you describe red-flag symptoms — chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, anaphylaxis or suicidal thoughts — the result page shows an urgent-care banner. Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
How accurate is the AI?+
It's trained on public clinical patterns and is useful for common symptom clusters. It is not perfect and it does not replace a doctor — treat it as a well-read friend, not a physician.
Can I book a GP after seeing my result?+
Yes — every result page has a WhatsApp button pre-filled with your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so our reception can book you in with the right prep in place.
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