Head pain: First aid

Most headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever. Some head pain, however, signals a dangerous or serious medical problem. Don't ignore unexplained head pain or head pain that steadily worsens. Get medical attention right away if your head pain:

• Develops suddenly and severely
• Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, changes in vision, dizziness, weakness, loss of balance, numbness or difficulty speaking
• Is severe and follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection
• Begins or worsens after a head injury, fall or bump
• Is a new pain, and you're older than 50
• Is excruciating and affects just one, reddened eye
• Progressively worsens over the course of a single day, or persists for several days

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Head trauma: First aid
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Fever

RELATED

MayoClinic.com Bookstore

• 'Mayo Clinic on Headache' (Softcover)