When You Shouldn't Ignore Headaches

Did you know that headaches affect up to three-quarters of adults between 18-65 each year worldwide? Unfortunately, even though headaches are common, they can also be difficult to categorize, especially since there are more than 150 different types. 

The good news is that many headache disorders respond to specialized treatment, but they require an accurate diagnosis from a trained professional. Our team at Metro Pain and Vein Centers offers comprehensive solutions for chronic pain conditions, including headaches and migraines. We have multiple locations in New York and New Jersey to serve you.

Here are a few headache symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.

Chronic — or recurring — headaches

It’s completely normal to have a headache from time to time. But, if you have frequent head pain, you could have a headache disorder, which can worsen over time.

Common chronic headache disorders include:

• Migraines
• Tension headaches
• Hemicrania continua
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Occipital headaches

You should also schedule a visit with one of our doctors if your headaches increase in frequency or severity, or they don't improve with over-the-counter medications, especially if the pain interferes with your daily life.

Sudden and intense pain

Head pain can vary in severity and location, which can offer clues into their type. For example, migraine headaches often cause an intense throbbing sensation on one side of the head, along with increased sensitivity to sounds, light, and smells. 

On the other hand, occipital headaches usually originate at the nape of your neck, sometimes spreading to behind the eyes or the front, back, and side of the head.

While all headache conditions can benefit from professional treatment, a severe and sudden headache could indicate bleeding within your brain from a leaking aneurysm — a serious and life-threatening condition. If you experience head pain that feels like the worst you've had in your whole life, play it safe and immediately seek medical attention.

Additional symptoms

Having a headache with other symptoms is fairly common, especially if you have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection. However, if you have an intense headache and a high fever, it can indicate an infection, like meningitis.

Other symptoms that could indicate an underlying problem include:

• An ache behind or around your eye
• Blurry vision or difficulty seeing
• Nausea or vomiting without an obvious cause, like the flu
• Pain concentrated in your temples if you’re over 50
• A stiff neck
• Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side
• An altered mental state, confusion, or cognitive changes
• Problems speaking or walking
• Fainting 

These symptoms are even more dangerous if your headache came on suddenly and causes intense pain, so you should seek medical attention immediately.

Whether your headache is life-threatening or not, you don't have to live with chronic pain. Contact a Metro Pain and Vein Centers office near you to schedule a consultation. Give us a call or request an appointment online today.