Headaches are a common health complaint worldwide. The general causes of headaches include lack of sleep, dehydration, eye strain, and sinus infection. While most headaches are not a cause for concern, some persistent ones may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to recognize the alarming signs of headaches to ensure that appropriate care is sought in a timely manner. Here are seven alarming signs of headaches one shouldn’t ignore.

Sudden onset of severe pain
If one experiences a sudden onset of severe pain, it could be a thunderclap headache. A thunderclap headache is a severe and sudden onset headache that reaches its maximum intensity within 60 seconds. This type of headache can be a sign of a ruptured blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. It’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Oftentimes, the condition can be accompanied even by seizures or fever.

Headaches after a head injury
Headaches that occur after a head injury could be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can be serious and may cause dizziness, issues with focus and memory, and ringing in the ear along with a headache.

Headaches with fever, stiff neck, and confusion
If one experiences a severe headache, which is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea or confusion, it could be a sign of meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and early treatment can help manage the condition.

Vision changes
Headaches that are accompanied by vision changes, such as blurred vision, blind spots, partial or temporary loss of vision, could be a sign of a serious health condition. These vision changes with headaches may be due to low blood sugar, migraine, clotting in the brain’s blood vessels, stroke, or other conditions. At times, exposure to fumes of carbon monoxide can also deprive the brain of oxygen and lead to these symptoms.

Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body
Headaches that occur with weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body could be a sign of a stroke. One may also find it difficult to walk with coordination, comprehend speech or communicate. It is important to seek immediate medical attention in such a situation.

Chronic headaches
Chronic headaches are headaches that occur frequently or on a daily basis, often for several days. They can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or an underlying health condition. Treatment for chronic headaches typically involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause along with therapies and lifestyle changes to manage the pain.

Managing headaches can involve a combination of lifestyle changes and treatments. Lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques, regular exercise, meditation, and adequate hydration can also help prevent general headaches. But if headaches become chronic, severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms as mentioned above, it is important to immediately seek professional help. A healthcare provider can help identify underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment, including referral to a specialist if needed. Seeking medical attention can help prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.