Headache: When to Seek Help

When to see a doctor for a headache

While most headaches can be treated effectively, you should seek medical attention if your headache is frequent or severe.

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