TRAVEL HEALTH
HEADACHES

Headaches vary greatly. Headaches vary in their site from a constant aching pain on either the scalp, cheeks, jaw, temple or back of the neck. Even on holiday, stress and tension are the commonest causes.

Dehydration is another common cause. This can occur after a long flight or journey. Consumption of alcohol or caffeine taken during travel can cause dehydration. Try to drink some water during the journey.

Other causes of headaches include heat exhaustion and hangovers and alcohol intoxication. Only very rarely are headaches more serious and most people would recognise the difference.

Migraine is caused by the blood flow changing to certain parts of the brain. A migraine usually affects one side of the head and blurs the vision/eyesight in one eye and makes you feel sick.

SELF-CARE

What you can do yourself

Ensure that you avoid possible causes of headaches whilst travelling. Drink plenty of fluid (non alcoholic). Other measures to avoid dehydration include keeping out of the sun and not drinking excessive alcohol.

If you develop a headache

1 Drink three or four glasses of water.

2 Take Paracetamol (at least 1gram) or Aspirin (600 - 900mg) or Ibuprofen (200 - 400mg).

Do not give Aspirin to children under 16 years of age.

Contact a doctor

If headaches occur with a fever, pain in cheek bones or bones over eyes (sinuses).

If one sided.

If a pattern develops.

If occurring persistently on waking.

If headaches persist for more than two weeks despite self-care.

Contact a doctor immediately

If the headache is sudden, severe and unlike any you have had before.

Associated with weakness, numbness, paralysis, confusion, odd behaviour, disturbed vision.

Very sudden, explosive/'thunderclap' headache.

If headaches follow a head injury/blow to the head.

Fax: +44 (0) 23 8022 7274

Email: info@whatshouldido.com