Sometimes, a headache can be treated with a dose of pain medication and a little relaxation. Other times, it’s a sign of a serious and potentialy life-threatening problem.
If you suffer from any of the following types of headaches, see a physician immediately, says Deborah I. Friedman, MD, MPH, Director of the Headache and Facial Pain program at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
- Your first severe—or worst ever—headache.
Dr. Friedman says: “Migraines are common, but the first one, or the worst one, should be checked out.”
- A headache with neurological symptoms, including double vision, tunnel vision, weakness, numbness, balance issues or trouble speaking.
Dr. Friedman says: “This could be a sign of a brain tumor or a stroke.”
- Continuous eye pain that can’t be successfully treated.
Dr. Friedman says: “If drops don’t make it better, see an ophthalmologist,” she says.
- Frequent headaches. Recurring headaches can lead to overuse of pain medication, causing ulcers, liver or kidney problems. Eventually it can also trigger medication overuse headaches.
Dr. Friedman says: “If they occur more than three times a week, see a physician.”
- A worsening pattern of headaches.
Dr. Friedman says: “If they occur more frequently than usual, or if they get gradually worse over time, it could be a sign of a tumor, medication overuse or an aneurysm.”
- New headaches with a history of cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Friedman says: “It may indicate an infection or spreading of the disease.”
- A headache that awakens you from your sleep.
Dr. Friedman says: “This is especially concerning in children and should be checked out.”
- A headache in the back of the head in children, especially if it coincides with changes in behavior, double vision, balance problems or a decline in school performance.
Dr. Friedman says: “Most brain tumors in children occur in the brain stem, so this is something to check out.”
- The onset of recurring headaches after the age of 50.
Dr. Friedman says: “Most headache problems begin early in life. If they start later on, it could be a sign of something serious, including an inflammatory condition which can lead to blindness if it’s not treated.”
- Headaches with a systemic illness.
Dr. Friedman says: “This can be a sign of meningitis.”
A headache specialist is trained to diagnose specific headache disorders. If you have one of these 10 types of headaches, learn about the benefits of seeing a headache specialist, and contact a headache specialist today.
