Migraines & Headaches Health Center
Seeking Medical Care for a Migraine or Headache
When to Seek Medical Care for a Headache or Migraine
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:
Tips for Avoiding Migraine Triggers
Many everyday things can trigger (cause) a migraine headache. Depending on your sensitivity, it might be red wine, caffeine withdrawal, emotional stress, or skipped meals. To take control of migraines, you must understand your migraine pattern. The first step is tracking your migraines by using a headache diary. Make notes of activities before - or when - a migraine occurred. What were you eating? What were you doing? How much sleep did you get the night before? Did anything stressful or important...
Read the Tips for Avoiding Migraine Triggers article > >
- 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 a headache
- Decreased level of consciousness or confusion
- Paralysis of one side of the body
- Seizure
WebMD Medical Reference
Migraines & Headaches Guide
