Most people, if not all, have gone through headaches. They could be brought about by factors such as tension, dehydration, or lack of enough sleep. Most of the time, headaches are not severe and can be cured by rest, water, and painkillers which can be bought freely over the counter.

Some, nevertheless, can be a sign of a more dangerous condition. This is when you need to get alarmed due to a headache and be prompted to seek medication.

Sudden, Severe Headache

If you have never had a headache like that before in your life, it could be indicative of a life-threatening condition, such as a bleeding brain aneurysm or stroke.

Such severe but uncommon headache subtypes often strike in a literal sense suddenly and sometimes come with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or fainting. If this describes your headache, prompt medical evaluation is important.

Headache After a Head Injury

A headache following a head injury, even if the physiology of the injury appears minimal, could be due to a concussion or a more significant problem. Observe for signs such as confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, or problems with vision. If these symptoms occur, explain them to the doctor right away.

Headache with Neurological Symptoms

Headaches associated with neurological symptoms, including but not limited to blurred vision, change in speech, weakness or numbness in one’s face or body, and difficulty in movement or coordination, represent a brain attack of a stroke or some other neurological problem. If your signs or symptoms have any of those features and you have a headache, call or see a physician immediately.

Persistent or Worsening Headache

If a headache lasts for several days or becomes progressively more painful, the headache might be a symptom of a more serious health problem. Any chronic headache that does not respond to common treatments should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for identification of the cause and proper treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Although most headaches aren’t serious and can be treated at home, it is essential to know when to see a doctor. You must visit the doctor if:

• You feel a very bad, sharp headache all of a sudden.
• You have a headache after having hurt your head.
• You have a headache with neurological symptoms.
• Your headache worsens over several days or does not improve at all.
• You have a headache with a fever and a stiff neck.
• You develop changes in your vision associated with a headache.
• You have associated severe nausea and vomiting with a headache.
• You have a headache and your blood pressure is high.
• You wake up many times a day with a headache.

Conclusion

Knowing when to worry about a headache can help you seek the right care and ensure your health and well-being. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Dr. Naresh Kumar Damesha
Consulting Neurosurgeon