Most of us have experienced a throbbing headache at some point. While they’re often harmless and a result of too much screen time or lack of water, they can sometimes indicate something more serious.
According to Allina Health’s Nicholas Johnson MD, distinguishing between a typical and a dangerous headache isn’t always straightforward. However, it’s crucial not to dismiss this kind of symptom, he warns.
Dr Johnson highlighted several serious conditions that could initially present as a simple headache. They include:
- Hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke: When a blood vessel in your brain breaks and bleeds.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA; also called a mini-stroke): TIA symptoms are less severe and don’t last as long as a regular stroke.
- Aneurysm: A bulge or ballooning blood vessel in the brain.
- Meningitis: A bacterial or viral infection that causes swelling in the protective lining of your brain.
- Brain tumour: A “primary” brain tumour begins in the brain and can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
The NHS states that headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes. At their worst, headaches have been known to last several days for some patients. If you suffer from bad headaches or migraines often, especially if they impact your day-to-day life, speak to a doctor to discuss possible treatment options and causes.
Some common causes can be addressed without medical intervention. In many cases, simply resting or taking painkillers like paracetamol will resolve the issue. However, there are instances when you should seek immediate medical attention. For example, if you experience a headache unlike any you’ve had before, which could signal a serious problem, reports the Mirror.
You might need to seek medical attention if your headaches are painful or persistent
(Image: Getty)
There are seven warning signs to watch out for, and if you notice any of them, you should seek medical advice, claims Dr Johnson. These are:
- It comes on suddenly (less than five minutes to maximum pain)
- It is the worst headache of your life
- You take a blood thinner
- You have problems with your immune system – such as diabetes, HIV or are being treated with steroids or chemotherapy
- You have arm or leg numbness or weakness, slurred speech, seizures or other neurological symptoms
- You have pain in the back of your head or pain that travels down your neck
- You are older than 50
It’s important to note the difference between migraines and regular headaches. A migraine is typically described as a severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraines can last between two hours and three days, according to the NHS.
Some people may experience migraines multiple times a week, while others may only have them occasionally. Menstrual migraines, which typically occur before or during a woman’s period, are quite common. As people age, they often find that their migraines gradually improve.