Headache Dangerous

Most headaches are NOT dangerous. In fact, tension-type headaches and migraines are very common and remain the focus of most health care providers and patients who suffer from headaches.

The most important factor to consider is when the typical headache is suddenly different.

Some of these different symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty communicating or formulating thought, seizures, fainting or loss of consciousness (even for a few seconds), memory lapses, double or blurred vision, profound dizziness, or numbness in the face or half of the body.

An alarm should sound off telling you to get this checked ASAP as these symptoms, when they deviate from the norm may be indicative of a more serious condition.

Signs of a dangerous headache include:

1. A headache that starts suddenly, especially if it’s of a severe degree.
2. Headaches that start later in life, especially after the age of 50.
3. A change in the quality of headaches.
4. Visual changes, including double vision or loss of vision.
5. Weakness, numbness, or any other neurological symptoms.
6. Fevers especially of rapid onset.
7. Change in mental status including sleepiness, hallucinations, speech changes, or confusion.
8. Weight loss.

If there is ever ANY doubt about a dangerous headache, your physician should be contacted.

Typically, the migraine patient will notice a fairly consistent set of symptoms and even though the headaches can vary in intensity, the sequence of events is fairly consistent.