Health Help

When should I be concerned about a headache?

There are many different kinds of headaches. Most are not life threatening and generally go away on their own. Cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches and other primary headaches – headaches that are not a symptom of an underlying disease or condition – can usually be treated with ample rest and medication.

On the other hand, some headaches can be symptoms of certain life threatening medical conditions – for example, infections, brain tumours, internal brain bleeding and the formation of blood clots, a sudden rise in blood pressure with subsequent brain swelling, and certain blockages of brain fluid (CSF) pathways. These secondary headaches may indicate serious problems with neurological function.

Headaches caused by stroke generally happen suddenly and abruptly, while migraines have a slower, more gradual onset with specific timings. Other important signs to look for include:

• fever;

• stiffness in the neck;

• weakness or numbness on one side of the body;

• facial drooping;

• confusion;

• dizziness and difficulty keeping balanced;

• blindness, blurring of vision or double-vision; and

• slurred speech.

Pay attention to your body, and don’t brush off your symptoms as “just a headache”. If you experience severe headaches or any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or consult a neurosurgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for serious neurological conditions. A stroke, for instance, requires urgent treatment – within three hours of the symptoms’ onset – for the best chance of recovery.