Headaches after a stroke are common and can occur for many different reasons. Some people experience headaches immediately after their stroke, while others develop them weeks or months later. Learn why headaches happen after a stroke, when they are a normal part of recovery, and when they may require urgent medical attention.

After your stroke...

A dull ache develops behind your eyes.

Or perhaps...

You experience sharp, throbbing pain on one side of your head.

Some days the headache disappears.

Other days it makes concentrating almost impossible.

You begin wondering...

"Is this normal after a stroke?"

"Should I be worried?"

For many stroke survivors...

Headaches are a common part of recovery.

But some headaches should never be ignored.

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The Good News

Many post-stroke headaches improve over time.

As your brain heals and your body recovers, headaches often become less frequent and less severe.

The key is understanding what's causing them and knowing when to seek medical advice.

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Can a Stroke Cause Headaches?

Yes.

Headaches are common after both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes.

Some people experience headaches immediately before or during their stroke.

Others develop headaches during recovery.

The cause depends on the type of stroke and what changes have occurred in the brain.

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Why Do Headaches Happen After a Stroke?

There are several possible reasons.

Healing Brain Tissue

After a stroke, the brain undergoes a healing process.

Inflammation, changes in blood flow and recovery of damaged brain tissue may contribute to headaches.

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Muscle Tension

Weakness, poor posture and stress can cause tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

This tension may lead to headaches.

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Fatigue

Stroke recovery requires enormous amounts of energy.

Many survivors notice headaches become worse when they're physically or mentally exhausted.

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Stress and Anxiety

Adjusting to life after a stroke can be emotionally overwhelming.

Stress and anxiety commonly trigger or worsen headaches.

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Medication

Some medications prescribed after a stroke may list headaches as a side effect.

Never stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare professional.

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Migraine

Some people develop migraines after a stroke or notice changes to headaches they experienced before.

Your doctor can help determine whether migraine is contributing to your symptoms.

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Symptoms of Post-Stroke Headaches

Headaches vary from person to person.

You may experience:

✓ Dull aching pain.

✓ Throbbing pain.

✓ Pressure around the head.

✓ Pain behind the eyes.

✓ Neck pain.

✓ Sensitivity to light.

✓ Sensitivity to noise.

✓ Nausea.

✓ Headaches that worsen with fatigue or stress.

Keeping a headache diary may help identify patterns and triggers.

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What Can Make Headaches Worse?

Many stroke survivors notice headaches worsen with:

✓ Fatigue.

✓ Poor sleep.

✓ Stress.

✓ Dehydration.

✓ Missing meals.

✓ Bright lights.

✓ Loud environments.

✓ Spending long periods looking at screens.

Identifying your triggers can help reduce future headaches.

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Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of your headache.

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Pain Relief

Your doctor may recommend appropriate pain-relieving medication.

Always check with your healthcare professional before taking over-the-counter medicines, particularly if you're taking blood-thinning medication after your stroke.

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Physiotherapy

If headaches are related to muscle tension or poor posture, physiotherapy may help reduce pain and improve movement.

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Managing Fatigue

Many headaches improve when stroke fatigue is properly managed.

Regular rest breaks, pacing activities and good sleep habits can make a significant difference.

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Managing Stress

Relaxation techniques, mindfulness, counselling or gentle exercise may help reduce stress-related headaches.

Looking after your emotional wellbeing is an important part of stroke recovery.

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Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches.

Drink enough fluids throughout the day, following any swallowing recommendations from your healthcare team if you have dysphagia.

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Practical Tips

Rest When You Need To

Pushing through fatigue often makes headaches worse.

Listen to your body.

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Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated supports both brain recovery and headache prevention.

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Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep often increases headache frequency.

Aim for a regular sleep routine whenever possible.

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Pace Yourself

Balance activity with regular rest.

Trying to do too much too soon can trigger headaches.

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Keep a Headache Diary

Record:

✓ When the headache started.

✓ How long it lasted.

✓ What you were doing beforehand.

✓ Any possible triggers.

This information can help your healthcare professional identify patterns.

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Tips for Family and Carers

If you're supporting someone with headaches after a stroke:

✓ Encourage regular hydration.

✓ Help them pace activities.

✓ Support good sleep habits.

✓ Reduce bright lights or noise if these trigger symptoms.

✓ Encourage them to seek medical advice if headaches become worse.

Small adjustments can make recovery more comfortable.

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When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Speak with your healthcare professional if:

✓ Headaches become more frequent.

✓ Pain is becoming more severe.

✓ Medication isn't helping.

✓ Headaches interfere with daily life or rehabilitation.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you develop:

✓ A sudden, severe headache unlike anything you've experienced before.

✓ A headache with new weakness, numbness or facial drooping.

✓ Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

✓ Sudden vision changes.

✓ Confusion.

✓ Loss of consciousness.

These could be signs of another stroke or another serious medical emergency.

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My Perspective

Headaches can make recovery feel even more exhausting.

They're invisible to everyone else...

But very real to the person experiencing them.

The encouraging news is that many post-stroke headaches improve as your brain heals.

Don't ignore persistent or severe headaches.

The right assessment can provide reassurance—or identify a problem that needs treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Headaches Normal After a Stroke?

Yes.

Many stroke survivors experience headaches during recovery, particularly in the weeks and months following a stroke.

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How Long Do Post-Stroke Headaches Last?

This varies.

Some people improve within weeks, while others experience headaches for several months.

Persistent headaches should be assessed by your healthcare professional.

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Can Stress Make My Headaches Worse?

Yes.

Stress, anxiety and fatigue are common headache triggers after a stroke.

Learning to pace yourself may help reduce symptoms.

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Should I Worry About New Headaches?

Any new, sudden or severe headache should be assessed urgently, particularly if it occurs alongside new neurological symptoms.

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Key Takeaways

✓ Headaches are common after a stroke.

✓ Fatigue, stress, muscle tension and healing brain tissue can all contribute.

✓ Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and pacing activities may help.

✓ Persistent headaches should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

✓ Sudden severe headaches or headaches with new neurological symptoms require emergency medical attention.

✓ Many post-stroke headaches improve as recovery progresses.

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About the Author

Alisia Gayle is a stroke survivor who achieved 96% neurological recovery following an ischaemic stroke.

After years of rehabilitation, she now shares practical, evidence-informed resources to help stroke survivors, carers and families better understand recovery and rebuild their lives with confidence.

Alisia is also the author of Brain Damage: My Journey to 96% Recovery, where she shares her personal stroke recovery story and the lessons she learned throughout her rehabilitation.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional regarding symptoms, concerns or changes in your condition.

If you experience a sudden severe headache or new stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Final Thoughts

A headache after a stroke can be unsettling...

But it doesn't always mean something is wrong.

Every day your brain is healing.

Every period of rest...

Every healthy habit...

Every small step you take...

Supports that recovery.

Stay aware of your symptoms.

Look after yourself.

Recovery happens one day, one step and one small improvement at a time.