Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Migraines & Headaches Health Center

Font Size

Headache With Signs of Serious Illness

When a headache, vomiting, fever, or a seizure occurs along with another serious illness, immediate medical care is needed. Signs of serious illness include:

  • Confusion or extreme irritability.
  • Extreme sleepiness.
  • New and different skin rash or severe bruises that appear without an injury.
  • New double vision, blurred vision, or blind spots.
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Rapid, difficult breathing.
  • Severe neck stiffness or pain.
  • Severe sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Severe pain.
  • Unsteadiness that prevents standing or walking (ataxia or vertigo).

Although uncommon, a headache with signs of a serious illness may be a sign of:

Recommended Related to Migraines/Headaches

10 Terms Every Migraine Sufferer Should Know

Some headaches can be summed up in just a few words. A migraine, however, can be a lengthy event that causes far more than just head pain. If you have migraines, learning a few new words may help you better understand and describe your symptoms. Here are the definitions of 10 important migraine terms: Ataxia. This is the medical term for difficulty using your muscles that leads to lack of coordination. A type of migraine called basilar migraine, which involves the brainstem, may cause ataxia...

Read the 10 Terms Every Migraine Sufferer Should Know article > >

Call your doctor for an evaluation if you have a headache and other signs of a serious illness.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last RevisedJuly 2, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 02, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Today in Migraines & Headaches

Headache Triggers Slideshow
Slideshow
depressed woman with headache
Slideshow
 
Woman with headache making face
Tool
mother holding her head
Article
 
woman receiving acupuncture
Slideshow
Hands reaching for medicine
Article
 
Migraines Headaches Basics
Article
acupuncture needles in woman's back
Slideshow
 
Hormones Headaches
Articles
healthy lifestyle items
Article
 
Sinusitis
Slideshow
headache in the bedroom
Article
 

Special Sections