When Should You Seek Treatment for a Headache?

Headaches are a common occurrence, and approximately 50% of people experience headaches at least once a month, at least 15% of people experience it once a week, and 5% have it nearly every day or every day.

Of all these people who experience headaches, only a small fraction seek medical treatment. This is because most headaches are relatively mild and go away on their own or with the help of conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, adequate rest, and sleep. However, some headaches that do not improve with conservative measures may indicate more serious underlying conditions and require medical treatment.

Let’s talk about when you should seek treatment for a headache and where you can go for the treatment of your headache in Southeast Michigan.

You Experience Unusual Symptoms Along with Your Headache

A headache accompanied by unusual symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, slurred speech, confusion, persistent vomiting, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or difficulty walking, can indicate a more serious issue. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical treatment for such headaches right away.

Your Headache Is Continuing to Get Worse and Won’t Stop

A sudden and severe headache that continues to worsen and would not stop can be a sign of life-threatening health conditions, such as intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, ruptured brain, aneurysm, and other neurological disorders. Therefore, if you have a sudden and severe headache, especially if it is the worst headache you have ever had, visit your doctor immediately.

Your Headache Is Changing Its Pattern

Headaches that change in frequency, characteristics, and intensity also require a visit to a healthcare professional who can thoroughly evaluate the underlying cause of changes in the headache pattern and provide appropriate treatment.

Your Headache Begin After a Head Injury

Certain headaches begin after ahead injury or trauma and continue to interfere with normal activities of daily life. Such headaches can be indicative of a traumatic brain injury like a concussion. Anyone who has had a head injury and is experiencing headaches since their injury should seek appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

Your Headache Is Triggered by Coughing, Sneezing, or Bending Over

Headaches triggered during or after physical activity, like coughing, sneezing, sexual activity, bending over, or exercise, can be indicative of a primary exertional headache, sinus headache, or increased intracranial pressure. If you are experiencing a headache with these triggers, it is best to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist, to determine the underlying cause of your headache and seek appropriate treatment.

You Take Pain Relievers More Than Two Days of Week for Headache

Most headaches improve with over-the-counter medications. However, if you take pain relievers more than two days a week or notice that the recommended dosage of your over-the-counter pain relievers is not adequate to provide significant relief from headaches, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Your Headache Is Keeping You from Performing Your Daily Activities

If your headache constantly interferes with your work, school, or family life, it is time to seek treatment. Your healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your headache and develop a treatment plan to reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches or eliminate it.

You Are Older Than 50 Years and Experiencing a Headache

Compared to younger adults, older adults are at higher risk of headaches caused by giant cell arteritis and intracranial lesions. Older adults can also experience headaches due to primary headache disorders such as tension-type headaches or migraine.

If you are older than 50 and experiencing frequent headaches, it is best to seek evaluation and treatment of your headache to rule out any fatal underlying condition.

Severe Headache Treatment in Southeast Michigan

If you are experiencing headaches and have noticed any of the aforementioned signs, consider visiting our board-certified specialist at Associates in Neurology for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Our board-certified neurologists have earned an excellent reputation in diagnosing and treating many types of headaches and migraines.Our neurologist can find you effective pain relief methods so that your headaches no longer have control over your life.

If you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our neurologists or would like to ask them questions about your unique headache type, call us today at (248) 478-5512 or request an appointment online.