Headache: First aid
While most headaches are minor, some warn of a serious condition. Here's when to worry about a headache.
By Mayo Clinic StaffMost headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever. Some headaches, however, signal a dangerous or serious medical condition. Don't ignore headaches that aren't explained or headaches that steadily worsen.
When to seek emergency help
Get immediate medical attention if your headache:
- Develops suddenly and is very painful.
- Lasts for several days.
- Causes mental confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Happens with seizures.
Immediate medical attention also is needed if your headache occurs with new:
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Weakness or not being able to move part of the body, such as the arms or legs.
- Numbness.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Reddened eye or droopy eyelid.
- Fever, stiff neck or rash.
Also seek medical attention if your headache:
- Happens with changes in vision, such as blurring or seeing halos around lights.
- Is serious and follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection.
- Begins or worsens after a head injury, fall or bump.
- Is triggered by changing the position of your head, coughing, sneezing, bending or physical activity.
- Is a different type of headache from your usual type and you're older than 50.
Treatment
While you wait for medical attention, taking these steps may help your headache:
- Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
- Drink fluids.
- Drink a beverage with caffeine, such as coffee, tea or soda.
- Try to avoid bright light if it makes your headache worse.
Show References
- Walls RM, et al., eds. Headache. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 1, 2024.
- Approach to the patient with headache. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/headache/approach-to-the-patient-with-headache?qt=headache&alt=sh. Accessed Nov. 1, 2024.
- Anderson CC, et al., eds. Neurology. In: The Harriet Lane Handbook. 23rd ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 1, 2024.
- Togha M, et al., eds. Approach to a patient with headache. In: Headache and Migraine in Practice. Elsevier; 2022. https://sciencedirect.com. Accessed Nov. 1, 2024.
- Signs and symptoms of stroke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/. Accessed Nov. 1, 2024.
- Wijeratne T, et al. Secondary headache — Red and green flags and their significance for diagnostics. eNeurologicalSci. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100473.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-headache/basics/art-20056639