Severe Headaches that Require Medical Attention
Severe headaches can be a sign of a serious medical condition and require prompt medical attention. Some signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include:
- Sudden onset of a very severe headache (“thunderclap” headache)
- Headache associated with a stiff neck or fever
- Headache accompanied by confusion, dizziness, or slurred speech
- Headache associated with vision changes, such as blurring or loss of vision in one eye
- Headache accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs, or difficulty speaking
- Headache that is different from previous headaches in terms of severity, location, or duration
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.