When You Should Seek Medical Attention for a Headache

January 5, 2023

Headaches are a common ailment that most people experience at some point in their lives. While most headaches are not serious and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication, there are some instances where it may be important to seek medical attention for a headache. This blog will explore some symptoms associated with severe headaches that may call for treatment.

For same-day urgent care services, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. Our team of experienced medical providers can examine your condition and help plan the best path toward a speedy recovery– whether that involves lifestyle changes or prescribing the appropriate medication. Simply walk into the clinic or book an appointment online today.

Thunderclap Headache: Symptoms & Causes

You should seek medical attention for a headache if you are experiencing one of the most severe types of head pain, commonly known as a thunderclap headache. A thunderclap headache is a severe aching pain that comes on suddenly and reaches its maximum intensity within one minute. Thunderclap headaches can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as an aneurysm or meningitis. 

If you’re experiencing the symptoms associated with this type of headache, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Thunderclap headaches typically strike without any warning, and can sometimes occur with no underlying cause. However, other times these headaches can be a signal of a more serious underlying condition that may need to be treated in the ER.

When Your Headache Has Other Symptoms

Another instance when you should seek medical attention for a headache is if you are experiencing a headache along with other symptoms, such as fever, stiff neck, difficulty speaking, or changes in vision. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, infection or illness. Oftentimes, a headache is a symptom of other general illnesses– including influenza and the common cold. In this case, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. If you’re in a high-risk group for potential complications– including younger children, older adults, those with weakened immune systems, or those with underlying health conditions– it’s even more crucial to get a professional examination and diagnosis of your condition. 

If Your Headache isn’t Responding to Medication 

You should also seek medical attention for a headache if your pain and symptoms are getting worse overtime, or if they are not responding to over-the-counter pain medication. A headache that is getting worse or is not responding to treatment may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and it is important to get medical attention to determine the cause. AFC Lyndhurst can help patients understand the cause of their headache and outline a treatment regimen for symptom relief. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Illness Treatment

These instances of headache pain may be a sign of more serious underlying conditions and it is important to get medical attention to determine the cause. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our team of healthcare providers are here to help determine the cause of your symptoms and help you find much needed relief from your symptoms. The clinic is open seven days a week with walk-in visits always welcomed. For more information on headache treatment, or other urgent care services we provide, call us directly at (201) 345-3839.

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