Migraines & Headaches Health Center
Select a topic to explore more.
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.


