Yesterday i had to help my dad with painting in an enclosed area. i've had a pretty bad headache since then. i read some articles on toluene but couldn't find much about short-term effects. could this have done permanent damage? should i be worried?

Your headache was likely triggered from the paint vapors, and will gradually resolve. If it persists, worsens, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, see your doctor. Chronic painters' encephalopathy occurs over a period of years of constant exposure to toxic fumes.

Most paints these days are water based and not toxic. It is unlikely that you were exposed to toluene. You may check the label on the paint can or call the paint maker to find out. Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.