Headache: 5 warning signs that require medical attention

According to neurologist Nada Hindiyeh, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches, certain characteristics may suggest more serious problems than a primary headache, such as migraine.

Check out five warning signs.

1. Sudden and very intense pain

The so-called thunderclap headache appears suddenly and reaches maximum intensity within seconds or up to a minute. It is often described by patients as the worst headache of their life.

This type of pain may indicate bleeding around the brain, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and requires emergency care.

2. Pain accompanied by neurological symptoms

A headache associated with changes in brain function also needs immediate attention.

Signs include sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of vision or difficulty walking.

Some migraine attacks can cause symptoms such as flashes of light, zigzag lines and dizziness. Still, when pain appears differently than usual or is accompanied by new neurological symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation.

3. New or unusual pain after age 50

A headache that appears for the first time or changes in pattern deserves investigation, especially in people over 50 or without a history of migraines.

Any important changes in relation to previous crises must be communicated to the doctor.

4. Pain that gets worse over time

Pain that becomes more intense over days or weeks can also be a warning sign.

Attention should be paid even more when the pain wakes the person up at night, worsens when lying down, coughing or doing physical exertion, or is accompanied by persistent vomiting.

5. Pain with fever, stiff neck, or confusion

Cases accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, seizures or immune system problems require immediate evaluation.

These signs may be related to infections, inflammation or other secondary causes.

Despite warnings, most headaches do not indicate a serious problem. Still, sudden, intense symptoms, different from the usual pattern or accompanied by neurological changes should not be ignored.

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