WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Migraines & Headaches Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

When to Call the Doctor About Your Migraines or Headaches

Any kind of pain is your body's way of warning you about an injury or illness. Although migraines and headaches are rarely the symptoms of a serious illness, occasionally they may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tumor or aneurysm (blood vessel rupture). It is important for you to become familiar with your personal headache symptoms, and those that require immediate medical attention.

If you or a loved one has any of the following headache symptoms seek medical care immediately:

  • A sudden, new severe headache
  • A headache that is associated with neurological (nerve) symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, sudden loss of balance or falling, numbness or tingling, paralysis, speech difficulties, mental confusion, seizures, personality changes/inappropriate behavior, or vision changes (blurry vision, double vision or blind spots)
  • Headache with a fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or rash
  • Headache pain that awakens you at night
  • Headaches with severe nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches that occur after a head injury or accident
  • Getting a new type of headache after age 55

The following migraine or headache symptoms do not require urgent care, but you should contact your doctor if you, or your loved one, have any of these symptoms.

  • Have three or more headaches per week
  • Have headaches that keep getting worse and won't go away
  • Need to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day for your headaches
  • Need more than 2-3 doses of over-the-counter medications per week to relieve headache symptoms
  • Have headaches that are triggered by exertion, coughing, bending, or strenuous activity
  • Have a history of headaches, but have noticed a recent change in your headache symptoms

Reviewed by Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on January 23, 2008
Edited by Lily Jung, MD on December 01, 2006
Next Article:

TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.

Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.

© 2004-2008 Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

webMD Video

click to expand/contract  Guided Imagery: Reframe Frustration

Learn from Anne Pearce Ornish how the simple, yet powerful, practice of gratitude can relieve frustration in your life.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Guided Imagery: Greet a Great Day

click to expand/contract  Breath: Tranquility of the Senses

click to expand/contract  Aromatherapy

click to expand/contract  Special Report: Hypnosis

What Triggers Your Migraines?


Most Popular Stories

Special Sections