Frequent headaches: what to note in your diary and when to see a doctor

Note how often your head hurts, how long each episode lasts, where and how it hurts and what came before it. Write down painkillers too: which ones and on how many days a month you take them. Taking them often can itself keep headaches going, and your doctor needs to know.

Call 103 or 112 if the pain is sudden and very severe, if it comes with weakness in an arm or leg or trouble speaking or seeing, if you have a high temperature with a stiff neck, or if your head hurts after an injury.