Headaches:
- Help them to a quiet place.
- Apply a cold compress to the head.
- Advise the recommended dose of paracetamol.
- Seek medical advice.
Most headaches aren’t serious and usually settle without treatment. Some people can get them for no specific reason, but sometimes they occur following a specific cause. Some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as meningitis, stroke, or following a head injury.
Possible causes:
- an illness such as flu
- dehydration
- stress or tiredness
- exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures
- excess alcohol, or other drug use.
What to do
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If someone has a headache, help them to sit or lie down somewhere quiet, and give them a cold compress to hold against their head.
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If the casualty is an adult, you can suggest they take the recommended dose of pain killers, like paracetamol tablets. If the casualty is a child, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 or anyone who is known to be allergic.
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Seek medical advice if the casualty:
- does not improve
- develops a severe and incapacitating pain
- has a pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
- has blurred or double vision
- has a pain accompanied by loss of strength or sensation, or by impaired level of response as this could indicate early signs of a stroke
- has a pain following a head injury that is not settling or is getting worse
- has a pain accompanied by a stiff neck and sensitivity to light; this could indicate that the casualty has meningitis.
Dehydration
Dehydration can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Find out what to look for and what to do.
