Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care
- Sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache reaching maximum intensity within seconds (possible subarachnoid haemorrhage)
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness, and rash (possible meningitis)
- Headache after a head injury
- Headache with confusion, weakness, vision loss, or slurred speech (possible stroke)
- Worst headache of your life
- Headache waking you from sleep or worse lying down/coughing (raised intracranial pressure)
See Your GP (Non-Emergency) If
- Headaches are becoming more frequent or severe over weeks
- New headache pattern after age 50
- Headache with jaw pain when chewing (possible giant cell arteritis, especially if over 50)
- Headaches not responding to regular painkillers
- Medication overuse headache (using painkillers >10-15 days/month)
Common Headache Types
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Tension | Band-like pressure, both sides, mild-moderate |
| Migraine | One-sided, throbbing, with nausea/light sensitivity, may have aura |
| Cluster | Severe one-sided pain around the eye, occurs in clusters over weeks |
| Medication overuse | Daily/near-daily headache from overusing painkillers |
Thunderclap Headache = EmergencyA sudden, extremely severe headache reaching full intensity within 1-5 minutes ('like being hit on the head') requires an immediate emergency department visit to rule out a brain bleed (subarachnoid haemorrhage), even if it later resolves.
Keep a Headache DiaryIf you have recurring headaches, tracking frequency, triggers, duration, and response to treatment helps your doctor identify patterns and choose the right treatment — bring this to your appointment.
Could my headache be caused by my eyes?
Uncorrected vision problems can cause mild headaches, especially with screen use. However, sudden vision changes with headache need urgent assessment.
Is it normal to get headaches every day?
No — daily or near-daily headaches, especially if you regularly take painkillers, warrant medical review to check for medication overuse headache or an underlying cause.
Can high blood pressure cause headaches?
Only very high blood pressure (typically >180/120) causes headaches. Mild-to-moderate hypertension is usually silent, which is why regular checks matter.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.