Headache
Most headaches are tension-type or migraine and settle with rest, hydration, simple painkillers and reviewing triggers. However, a sudden ‘thunderclap’ headache, a headache with fever and neck stiffness, a headache with new neurological symptoms, or a new headache after age 50 needs urgent assessment. A GP can decide which pattern you have and whether any tests or imaging are needed.
Key information
- Symptom
- Headache
- Category
- Brain & nervous system
- Common possible causes
- Tension-type headache, Migraine with or without aura, Dehydration (very common in Dubai’s climate), Poor sleep or shift work
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, CRP and ESR (especially if over 50 to screen for temporal arteritis), Kidney and liver function, TSH
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
A headache is pain anywhere in the head or upper neck. The pattern — onset, location, quality, triggers and associated symptoms — usually points to the cause.
Common possible causes
- · Tension-type headache
- · Migraine with or without aura
- · Dehydration (very common in Dubai’s climate)
- · Poor sleep or shift work
- · Screen strain and posture
- · Caffeine withdrawal
- · Medication-overuse headache
- · Sinusitis
- · Viral illness
Less common possible causes
- · Cluster headache
- · Cervicogenic (neck-related) headache
- · Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- · Temporomandibular joint (jaw) dysfunction
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Subarachnoid haemorrhage (‘thunderclap’ headache)
- · Meningitis or encephalitis
- · Brain tumour
- · Giant cell (temporal) arteritis in adults over 50
- · Stroke
- · Severely raised intracranial pressure
- · Sudden ‘worst-ever’ headache reaching peak within seconds
- · Headache with fever, neck stiffness or rash
- · Headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech or confusion
- · Headache after a head injury
- · New headache over age 50
- · Headache worse on coughing, straining or lying flat
- · Headache with visual loss or scalp tenderness
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · New, severe or unusual headache
- · Headache with fever or vomiting
- · Headache not settling with usual painkillers
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Recurrent tension or migraine pattern for review
- · Wanting a preventive plan for frequent migraine
- · Suspected medication-overuse headache
Questions a doctor may ask
- · When and how did the headache start?
- · Where is the pain and what does it feel like?
- · How long does it last and how often?
- · Any triggers — sleep, stress, foods, hormones, screens?
- · Any visual changes, weakness, numbness or speech difficulty?
- · How many painkillers are you taking each week?
- · Any fever, neck stiffness or recent head injury?
History factors that may matter
- · Migraine or family history of migraine
- · High blood pressure
- · Recent head injury
- · Hormonal changes or perimenopause
- · Frequent painkiller use
Medicines that may contribute
- · Daily or near-daily codeine, paracetamol or ibuprofen (medication-overuse headache)
- · Nitrate medications
- · Some HRT and contraceptive regimes
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Blood pressure and pulse
- · Neurological examination — eyes, face, limbs, coordination
- · Fundoscopy where indicated
- · Neck and scalp examination
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · CRP and ESR (especially if over 50 to screen for temporal arteritis)
- · Kidney and liver function
- · TSH
- · HbA1c
Other tests
- · Blood pressure log
- · CT or MRI head via imaging partners when clinically indicated
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Neurology for atypical, persistent or refractory headache
- · Urgent same-day referral for any red-flag features
Possible treatment approaches
- · Address the underlying cause and triggers
- · Simple analgesia (paracetamol, ibuprofen) used sparingly
- · Triptans for confirmed migraine
- · Preventive medication for frequent migraine
- · Hydration, sleep hygiene and stress management
Safe self-care
- · Drink water regularly through the day in Dubai’s heat
- · Keep a headache diary to identify triggers
- · Consistent sleep and meal times
- · Limit painkiller use to fewer than 2 days per week to avoid rebound
Best avoided
- · Daily over-the-counter painkiller use
- · Ignoring a sudden or ‘worst-ever’ headache
- · Self-diagnosing a new headache in your 50s as ‘just tension’
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk review
- · Blood tests at home across Dubai
- · Onward neurology or imaging referral where required
Related tests
Related conditions
- Migraine
- Tension-type headache
- High blood pressure
- Sinusitis
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about a headache?+
Seek emergency care for a sudden ‘thunderclap’ headache, a headache with fever and neck stiffness, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, visual loss, or a headache after a head injury. A new headache over age 50, or one worse on straining, also needs urgent review.
Can Dubai’s heat cause headaches?+
Yes — dehydration, heat exposure and air-conditioning contrast are common contributors. Regular water intake and electrolytes usually help, but persistent headaches still deserve a proper assessment.
Do I need a brain scan for headaches?+
Most headaches do not need imaging. A GP will decide based on your pattern and any red-flag features. If a scan is needed, we refer to a partner imaging centre.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Headache assessment — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NICE CKS — Migraine — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Headaches — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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