Should I Worry?

Although most headaches are caused by triggers, some headaches are due to serious medical problems, such as a brain tumor or stroke.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your headache:

• Is a dramatically different type of headache than you have had before.
• Is a "thunderclap" headache—terrible pain within seconds to minutes.
• Feels like your worst headache ever (especially if it happens suddenly).
• Comes with other signs like:
  • Numbness or weakness in your face, arms or legs, especially on one side of your body.
  • Dizziness or difficulty walking.
  • New memory loss.
  • Sudden changes in vision.
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.

Call your physician now or go to the emergency room if you have a headache and:

• Fever and very stiff neck.
• New nausea and vomiting or you cannot keep food or liquids down.
• Your headache does not get better within 24 hours.