Most headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever. Some headaches, however, signal a dangerous or serious medical condition. Don't ignore headaches that aren't explained or headaches that steadily worsen.
When to seek emergency help
Get immediate medical attention if your headache:
- Develops suddenly and is very painful.
- Lasts for several days.
- Causes mental confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Happens with seizures.
Immediate medical attention also is needed if your headache occurs with new:
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Weakness or not being able to move part of the body, such as the arms or legs.
- Numbness.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Reddened eye or droopy eyelid.
- Fever, stiff neck or rash.
Also seek medical attention if your headache:
- Happens with changes in vision, such as blurring or seeing halos around lights.
- Is serious and follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection.
- Begins or worsens after a head injury, fall, or bump.
- Is triggered by changing the position of your head, coughing, sneezing, bending, or physical activity.
- Is a different type of headache from your usual type and you're older than 50.
Treatment
While you wait for medical attention, taking these steps may help your headache:
- Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
- Drink fluids.
- Drink a beverage with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or soda.
- Try to avoid bright light if it makes your headache worse.
