Unusual headaches can be more than just a nuisance; they can be warning signs of underlying health issues. While headaches are common and usually benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention from a doctor.
Dr Shivaram Rao K, Consultant Neuro Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, stresses upon the importance of recognising these warning signs to prevent serious consequences:
Sudden, severe headache: Described as the ‘worst ever’ or a ‘thunderclap headache,’ this could indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a critical emergency requiring urgent medical care.
Neurological symptoms: Vision problems, speech difficulties, weakness, numbness, confusion, or balance issues accompanying headaches may signal a stroke, brain tumor, or other neurological conditions.
Fever and stiff neck: Headaches accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting could be indicative of meningitis, a brain infection requiring immediate treatment.
After head trauma: Headaches following head injury could suggest a concussion or more serious issues like a brain hemorrhage, especially if symptoms worsen over time.
Persistent vomiting: Continuous vomiting with headaches may indicate increased intracranial pressure, potentially due to a brain tumor or severe infection.
Progressive worsening: Headaches that steadily worsen or change in nature might suggest a growing brain tumor or chronic conditions like a subdural hematoma.
With seizures: Seizures accompanied by headaches can indicate severe neurological disorders such as brain infections, tumors, or vascular abnormalities.
Non-responsive to treatment: If headaches do not improve with standard treatments or over-the-counter medications, medical evaluation is warranted.
Age and underlying conditions:
For those over 50, new headaches may signal serious conditions such as temporal arteritis, which, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss.
Additionally, those with a history of cancer, HIV, or other immunocompromised states should promptly seek medical attention for new or worsening headaches to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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