Overview

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.