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
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• A new, progressive headache that lasts for days
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• A headache brought on by coughing, sneezing, bearing down, straining while on the toilet, and so on
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• Large, unintentional loss of body weight
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• 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
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• Headache associated with trauma to the head
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• Trauma to the head with loss of consciousness
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• Fever or stiff neck associated with headache
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• Decreased level of consciousness or confusion
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• Paralysis of one side of the body
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• Seizure