When do your headaches warrant a visit to the doctor? The National Neuroscience Institute (SingHealth) shares when it's time to seek medical evaluation.
When to see a doctor for a headache
According to the
National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), a member of the
SingHealth group, most headaches are not an indication of a serious medical condition and most, if not all, can be treated effectively. However, medical attention should be sought for frequent or severe headaches. So how do you tell if your headache is just a passing pain or something more?
If you experience any of the following, please see a doctor:
Headache attacks one or more times per week
Taking painkillers almost daily or exceeding the recommended dose
Sudden severe headache with no previous history of headaches
A change in a regular headache pain or pattern, such as the nature of pain, pain intensity or associated symptoms
Stiff neck or fever with headache
Headache accompanied by dizziness, unsteady gait, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, double vision, focal weakness or fever
Confusion and drowsiness
Headache begins and persists after head injury
Your first or worst headache in your life
Headache beginning after the age of 50
If you have a history of cancer, autoimmune disease or HIV and have a new headache
Ref: U11
Check out other articles on headaches:
Headaches: Types and Common Causes
Primary Headaches: The Most Common Headache
How to Prevent Headaches Naturally
Headache vs Migraine: How to Tell the Difference
