Most headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever. Some head pain, however, signals a dangerous or serious medical problem. Don't ignore unexplained head pain or head pain that steadily worsens. Get medical attention right away if your head pain:
- Develops suddenly and severely
- Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, changes in vision, dizziness, weakness, loss of balance, numbness or difficulty speaking
- Is severe and follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection
- Begins or worsens after a head injury, fall or bump
- Is a new pain, and you're older than 50
- Is excruciating and affects just one, reddened eye
- Progressively worsens over the course of a single day, or persists for several days
Last Updated: 01/10/2008
