7 Signs a Headache May Be More Serious Than You Think

7 Signs a Headache May Be More Serious Than You Think
Weakness, confusion, seizures and vision changes require urgent attention.
Changing or persistent headaches should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Headaches are common and are often linked to stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, hunger or other temporary causes.

Contents

1. The Headache Starts Suddenly and Is Extremely Severe
2. The Headache Comes With Weakness or Numbness
3. You Experience Problems With Your Vision
4. The Headache Comes With Fever and a Stiff Neck
5. The Headache Happens After a Head Injury
6. The Headache Is Becoming More Frequent or Severe
7. The Headache Comes With Confusion, Fainting or Seizures
When Should You Seek Medical Help?

FURTHER READING

However, some headaches can signal a more serious medical problem, particularly when the pain is sudden, unusually severe or accompanied by other symptoms.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that knowing the warning signs can help you recognise when a headache should not simply be treated with rest or pain medication.

Here are seven signs that a headache may require urgent medical attention.

1. The Headache Starts Suddenly and Is Extremely Severe

A headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes should not be ignored.

A sudden, severe headache, sometimes described as the worst headache a person has experienced, can be a warning sign of bleeding around the brain or another serious condition.

This type of headache requires immediate medical assessment, particularly if it is unlike previous headaches.

2. The Headache Comes With Weakness or Numbness

A headache accompanied by sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body, can be a warning sign of a stroke.

Other possible warning signs include difficulty speaking, confusion, facial drooping or difficulty walking.

These symptoms require emergency medical attention. Do not wait for them to disappear on their own.

3. You Experience Problems With Your Vision

Changes in vision during or alongside a severe headache can sometimes indicate a serious neurological or eye related problem.

Warning signs include sudden loss of vision, double vision, blurred vision or unusual visual disturbances that are different from what you normally experience.

A sudden change in vision accompanied by a severe headache should be assessed urgently.

4. The Headache Comes With Fever and a Stiff Neck

A headache combined with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, vomiting or sensitivity to light can be a warning sign of meningitis or another serious infection.

Meningitis can become life threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.

Do not assume that such symptoms are simply the result of malaria, flu or fatigue without seeking appropriate medical advice.

5. The Headache Happens After a Head Injury

A headache following a fall, accident, blow to the head or other injury should be taken seriously.

Seek urgent medical attention if the headache becomes severe or is accompanied by repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, weakness, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Some head injuries can cause internal bleeding even when there is no obvious wound.

6. The Headache Is Becoming More Frequent or Severe

A headache pattern that suddenly changes should not be ignored.

If headaches that were previously occasional become more frequent, last longer or become progressively more painful, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional.

A change in headache pattern can have several causes, ranging from medication overuse and hormonal changes to conditions requiring further investigation.

7. The Headache Comes With Confusion, Fainting or Seizures

A severe headache accompanied by confusion, fainting, seizures, unusual behaviour or difficulty staying awake is an emergency warning sign.

These symptoms can occur with serious problems involving the brain, including bleeding, infection or stroke.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should receive urgent medical assessment.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Most headaches are not caused by life threatening conditions. However, a headache that is sudden and severe, follows a head injury or occurs alongside neurological symptoms should not be treated as an ordinary headache.

Seek emergency medical care if a severe headache is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizures, fainting, severe vomiting, fever with a stiff neck or sudden vision loss.

7 Signs a Headache May Be More Serious Than You Think

If your headaches are becoming more frequent, changing in character or interfering with your daily activities, arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

It is also important to avoid repeatedly taking painkillers without identifying the cause of persistent headaches. Frequent use of some headache medicines can itself contribute to medication overuse headaches.