Headaches: When to see your doctor
What is a headache?
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain, and how often they occur. Almost all people have headaches during their life. The brain tissue doesn’t have pain-sensitive nerve fibers and doesn’t feel pain. But, other parts of the head can be responsible for a headache including:
- A network of nerves that extends over the scalp
- Certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat
- Muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders
- Blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain
While headaches can sometimes indicate a serious medical or neurological condition, headaches do not usually pose any serious risk.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Most headaches can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. But call your healthcare provider right away if you have a severe headache plus:
- Stiff neck
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Convulsion
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Double vision
- Change in level of consciousness
- Loss of vision or sensation
Symptoms that may suggest a more serious headache include:
- Worst headache ever, or new type of headache
- Recurring headaches in children
- Headaches that start early in the morning
- Headache that follows a head injury
- Pain that gets worse with strain, such as a cough or a sneeze
- Vomiting without nausea
- Sudden onset of pain
- Headache that is becoming more severe or continuous
- Personality changes
- Seizures
Key points about headaches
- A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area.
- Types of headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster.
- Headaches can be primary or secondary. If it's secondary, it's caused by another condition.
- Staying away from your headache triggers is the best prevention.
- Mild to moderate headaches can be managed with over-the-counter medicines, but tell your healthcare provider if your headache is severe, and you have other symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider to discuss your headache symptoms.
Online Medical Reviewer: Joseph Campellone MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2023
© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.