Headache or Migraine
What it is
A headache is pain felt in the head or face. It often goes away after a few hours.
A migraine is a headache that comes back often and may be more severe. It can make everyday activities more difficult.
What you can do at home
What to do
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). If in doubt, follow the advice provided by a pharmacist.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
- If you have a prescription for migraine medication, take it as directed when symptoms start.
- Ask a pharmacist for advice if the medication does not work. Other treatment options may be suggested.
Apply cold
- Apply cold to the forehead for 20 minutes every 2 hours, as needed.
- Use a cold compress, an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables or a cold gel pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source to protect the skin.
Rest and relieve tension
- Lie down in a dark, quiet room with your eyes closed.
- Wear sunglasses if light is bothersome.
- Stretch and massage the neck if the muscles are tense.
- Relax by breathing slowly or listening to soft music.
Avoid
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid using drugs.
- Reduce exposure to light.
When to seek medical attention
A headache that does not improve or gets worse after 24 hours, even after following the advice provided
A headache that feels different from usual headaches
A headache that prevents usual activities, work or rest
A headache that becomes more severe or headaches that occur more often
A new or unusual headache in a person who:
- is aged 50 or older
- has had cancer
- has a weakened immune system (is immunosuppressed)
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Vomiting that does not stop
Very high blood pressure (180/120 or higher):
- systolic: 180 or higher
- diastolic: 120 or higher
A painful red eye
Difficulty seeing clearly
Rapid changes in overall condition:
- Unusual tiredness (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
- Not responding normally to what is happening around them
- Confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- Severe weakness
Neurological symptoms:
- Loss of balance
- Numbness in a leg, arm or the face
- Seizures (uncontrollable shaking of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding words
- Severe dizziness
Migraine aura symptoms (such as blurred vision, tingling in the face, or difficulty speaking) that:
- Occur for the first time
- Are unusual for you
- Last more than 60 minutes (1 hour)
A severe or unusual headache:
- A very severe or unbearable headache that does not go away
- A headache that begins after physical or sexual activity
- A headache that wakes you up throughout the night
- A new headache with jaw pain while chewing (difficulty eating or drinking)
- A new headache with pain in the temples (the sides of the forehead)
- A very severe headache with ringing in the ears, a stiff neck, fever or sensitivity to light
For people who are more than 20 weeks pregnant or who gave birth less than 6 weeks ago:
- A new headache that does not go away
- Difficulty seeing clearly
- Stomach ache
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain