When a Headache Warrants a Trip to the ER

Nearly everyone experiences headaches from time to time. They’re a common ailment, and most of the time, they’re not a sign of something more serious. However, a particularly severe, intense, or long-lasting headache might make you wonder if something more serious is going on.

Although they’re rare, potentially life-threatening headaches can happen — and learning to recognize their symptoms can help you decide when it’s time to head to the emergency room. Our team at Memorial Springs ER specializes in emergency care for headaches in Spring, Texas, and here’s when a headache might warrant a trip to the ER.

Recognizing the most common types of headaches

It’s no secret that headaches are painful, but most types of headaches, especially “primary” headaches that are disorders unto themselves, don’t pose a lasting threat to your health.

Tension headaches (TTH) are the most common, often caused by stress or muscle strain, and they typically feel like a band of pressure around your head.

Migraine disease comes with headache attacks that are more severe and long-lasting, and the attacks can become a chronic condition. These attacks may cause symptoms like intense, throbbing, one-sided pain, along with neurological symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, and odors that last for a few hours to several days. 

Cluster headaches are less common but they’re extremely painful (they’re sometimes called “suicide headaches”), and they usually occur in cycles, with remissions in between.

Understanding the type of headaches you have can help you find the best treatment and relief. For most people, TTH headaches are typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or rest. Migraine and cluster headaches require prescription medications and other interventions to manage symptoms.

However, “secondary” headaches, which occur as a symptom of another condition, can be more serious. Recognizing when a headache might indicate a medical emergency is crucial to protecting your health.

Signs that your headache might be a medical emergency

Headaches that come on suddenly and are extremely intense — often described as "thunderclap headaches" — could signal an aneurysm or another critical issue. Other warning signs of a more serious condition can include:

• Severe headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or confusion, which might indicate meningitis
• Headache with vision changes, slurred speech, or difficulty moving parts of your body, which might indicate a stroke
• A headache following a head injury, especially if it’s accompanied by dizziness or vomiting, which might indicate a concussion or brain bleed
• New or severe headaches in individuals with cancer or weakened immune systems, which might indicate an infection

If your headache is unlike anything you’ve experienced before, or if it comes with other alarming symptoms, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate care.

When to go to the ER for a headache

Consider going to the ER if the intensity of your headache is overwhelming, you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms, or your usual remedies don’t relieve your pain. It’s especially important to seek emergency care if you have a history of neurological conditions, high blood pressure, or other risk factors for stroke or aneurysm.

At Memorial Springs ER, we’re equipped to evaluate and treat severe headaches and their underlying causes. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to provide fast, accurate diagnoses with tests like CT scans and MRIs, so we can recommend appropriate care.

When in doubt, it’s always best to prioritize your health. If you’re concerned about a headache, or if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, seek help. Visit us at Memorial Springs ER to get the care and peace of mind you deserve. Book online now or call us at 346-683-2057 to let us know you’re on your way.