When it comes to pain, a headache can be enough to stop you in your tracks. Maybe you’re hungry, dehydrated, or you’ve been staring at a computer screen too long. Any number of everyday reasons can trigger that dull ache or piercing pain.
What happens when your headache isn’t just “a headache,” though? What if it’s a symptom of something else? In some cases, a headache can be an alert that you should call your doctor. If it comes with any of these other signs, it’s a good idea to make an appointment.
1. Throbbing Head
Your normal run-of-the-mill headache is bad enough. When you feel an intense throbbing or pounding coupled with light sensitivity, you’ve graduated to a migraine. These severe headaches affect millions of Americans every month. Women deal with them more than men, but they can strike anyone.
Alongside that pounding, you could experience a sharp pain around your eyes or face. To make matters worse, you may also feel like a tight band is squeezing your head. Do these symptoms sound familiar? Talk to your doctor about migraine treatment if you said “yes.”
2. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds with headaches can be tricky. If you have allergies, too many sneezes and constant blowing can irritate your nose. In that case, a head pounder with that red nasal trickle could simply point to hay fever. Annoying, but no big deal, right?
You still need to pay attention, though. A headache-nosebleed combo could be something more dangerous. It’s rare, but getting a nosebleed with a headache can mean your blood pressure has gone through the roof.
Normal blood pressure is around 120/80. Even if yours is higher, you typically don’t get symptoms. When your level reaches 180/120, though, nosebleeds can happen. It’s called a hypertensive crisis, and it’s a medical emergency.
3. Vision and Speech Problems
It’s normal to feel a bit “off” when you have a headache. Migraines can make your ears ring, your body tingle, or leave you feeling dizzy. Blurry vision can also make you feel a little out of sorts. Pay attention, though, if things get worse.
Sudden vision loss or slurred speech can be a red flag for a much bigger problem — a stroke. Getting weak, going numb, or feeling part of your body or face droop calls for immediate medical attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, get to a doctor quickly.
4. Stiff Neck and Fever
Sometimes stiff muscles can be the cause of your headache. Too much stress and strain in your neck can create pressure that shoots the pain upward. Add a massage in with some pain relievers, and you can likely get that headache under control.
Having a fever with that stiff neck, however, can be a problem. Again, it isn’t common, but this combo could mean you have meningitis. This inflammation around your brain and spine can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial infections are dangerous if left alone, but your doctor can treat them with antibiotics — just make an appointment soon.
5. Pain That Wakes You
For plenty of people, sleeping is the go-to method for kicking a headache to the curb. While you snooze, your muscles relax, and the dilated blood vessels causing pain return to normal. You wake up feeling refreshed, and any throbbing pain is a memory. It’s a nice medication-free solution with the added benefit of more shuteye!
What if it doesn’t work? What if your headache is so intense it pulls you out of dreamland altogether? If that’s the case — especially if it happens frequently — it’s time to talk to your doctor. Brain tumors don’t happen often, but they can put pressure on your nerves and cause this kind of pain.
Don’t freak out, though. Most brain tumors aren’t cancerous. Still, they can lead to pain and other problems. They can also trigger other changes in your behavior, such as memory, communication, or concentration problems. So see your physician as soon as you can.
6. Nothing Works
Pain relievers, check. Lots of water, yep. Dim lights, absolutely. Why hasn’t this pesky headache loosened its grip?
This sometimes happens. You can get a headache that common remedies just can’t seem to touch. In this case, what do you do? Like everything else on the list, you’ll need to see your doctor for a solution.
When you can’t shake a headache, talking about it with your physician is vital. It’s particularly important if you have a history of head squeezers. Having one that refuses to go away could mean something has changed in your body. Only an appointment and, potentially, some tests can give you an answer.
Headaches are generally nothing to worry about. In fact, with computers, smartphones, and other small-screen devices, they’ve become relatively common. They’re typically nothing a couple of ibuprofen, some water, and relaxation can’t fix.
If the pain gets worse or other problems appear, your headache may be a symptom rather than the problem itself. These are issues you can’t ignore because they could have a bigger impact on your overall health. If you have headaches frequently, keep this list on hand. Recognizing these warning signs can ensure you get medical treatment when you need it.