HEAL
Posted August 18, 2021
You’ve likely had a headache before. Almost half of us get a headache in any given year. The good news is most headaches are not harmful or dangerous. But, about 10 percent of headaches are a sign of a serious health condition and require an emergency evaluation.
So, how can you tell the difference between an ordinary headache and one that's dangerous? It's not easy. Keep reading to learn about common causes of severe headaches and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Almost all types of headaches activate the same pain receptors. That can make it difficult to know if your headache pain is a sign of a serious condition. The most serious causes of headache pain include:
If you develop a headache with no history of a similar headache, here are seven signs it could be dangerous and require an emergency evaluation:
We often can rule out serious conditions without extensive tests. However, sometimes a CT scan (imaging) or a spinal tap may be necessary, depending on your symptoms and medical history.
If you have any concerns about a headache, it is best to get evaluated.
Need emergency care? Find an emergency room near you and check wait times.
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