Grammar fix
a blinding headache
an intensely painful headache
A headache so painful that it makes it difficult to see, think or continue normal activities.
collocation
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I woke up with a blinding headache and couldn't stand any light at all.
I once had a blinding headache during an exam, and it was really difficult to focus on the questions.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I have a very big headache.
Say: I’ve got a blinding headache.
Use 'blinding' or 'terrible' for extreme pain; 'big headache' is not the usual collocation.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Your head hurts really badly
How pain-specificSevere painThrobbing pain
a splitting headacheEmphasizes severe pain that makes concentrating difficult.
a blinding headacheYou're here · So painful you can hardly see or think.
a pounding headacheEmphasizes strong, repeated throbbing pain.