Managing headaches after brain injury

Headaches after a brain injury are common and can be persistent. Understanding your triggers is the first step to managing them.

Find your triggers

• Keep a simple headache diary.
• Note screen time, stress, sleep, and skipped meals.
• Look for patterns over a few weeks.

Daily habits that help

• Regular sleep and meal times.
• Frequent breaks from screens.
• Staying hydrated and pacing activity.

Calming strategies

• Gentle relaxation and breathing.
• Reducing bright light and loud noise.
• Rest in a quiet, dim room when needed.

When to review

• Headaches that worsen or change pattern.
• New symptoms alongside the headache.
• Pain that stops you doing daily tasks.

How this site helps

You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.

• Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
• See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
• Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.

Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.