When to See a Doctor
Not all headaches require a physician's attention. But headaches can signal a more serious disorder that requires prompt medical care. Immediately call your physician or visit your nearest emergency department if you or someone you're with experience any of these symptoms:
- Sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck.
- Severe headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting that is not related to another illness.
- "First" or "worst" headache, often accompanied by confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness.
- Headache that worsens over days or weeks or has changed in pattern or behavior.
- Recurring headache in children.
- Headache following a head injury.
- Headache and a loss of sensation or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke.
- Headache associated with convulsions.
- Headache associated with shortness of breath.
- Two or more headaches a week.
- Persistent headache in someone who has been previously headache-free, particularly in someone over age 50.
- New headaches in someone with a history of cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Above content provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.
Posted October 2009