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Know What to Do About Severe Headaches
When to Seek Medical Care
Call a doctor if any of the following occur:
- A change in frequency, severity, or features of the migraine commonly experienced
- A new, progressive headache that lasts for days
- A headache brought on by coughing, sneezing, bearing down, straining while on the toilet, and so on
- Large, unintentional loss of body weight
- Weakness or paralysis that lasts after the headache
Go to a hospital emergency department if any of the following occur:
- Having the worst headache ever, especially if the headache came on very quickly
- Headache associated with trauma to the head
- Trauma to the head with loss of consciousness
- Fever or stiff neck associated with headache
- Decreased level of consciousness or confusion
- Paralysis of one side of the body
- Seizure
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
Reviewed on
October 11, 2005
© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
Migraines & Headaches Guide
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