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:
Do Your Sleep Habits Trigger Migraines?
If you suffer from migraines, you may want to pay more attention to your sleep habits. That's the message from several studies which show that sleep problems, like insomnia, may actually trigger migraines.
Read the Do Your Sleep Habits Trigger Migraines? 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 from eMedicineHealth
Reviewed by
Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on February 23, 2013
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

