A bad headache is far from uncommon.

We’ve all had them and many of them are self-inflicted.

But sometimes a bad headache can be a sign that something is seriously wrong.

The key is to try to spot any differences in the symptoms and whether there are any obvious reasons as to why they are occurring.

Here are some of the signs to watch out for that warrant immediate medical attention.

Types of headaches

There are more than 200 different types of headaches with many different causes and symptoms.

Here are some of the most common ones:

Migraine

A bad headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, blind spots or seeing zig-zag patterns. Some people may also suffer slurred speech and pins and needles.

Sinus

Pain is usually centred around the forehead and cheekbone rather than the brain. It can spread to teeth and jaw and is often accompanied by a blocked or runny nose and a cough.

Clusters

A rare and particularly nasty series of headaches that arrive in a cluster of attacks. They often feel like a stabbing pain behind one eye and can last up to three hours, several times a day.

Hangover

This one is the result of overindulging in alcohol. It is normally a throbbing pain that gets worse with exercise or sudden movements.

Dehydration

This can sometimes follow a hangover. Pain may be all over the head and extend or emanate to the neck.

Mountain sickness

Caused by high altitude such as mountain climbing or even flying in a plane, it is a throbbing pain often centred in the forehead. Diving can also cause a headache with dizziness, confusion and even difficulty breathing.

Sleep apnoea

These headaches occur early in the morning and are believed to be triggered when oxygen desaturation causes cerebral vasodilation. The worse the sleep apnoea, the worse the headaches.

Causes of primary headaches

Primary headaches occur on their own and are not related to any other health problems.

There are numerous causes of primary headaches, many related to diet including:

  • Skipping meals
  • Alcohol, especially red wine
  • Large amounts of caffeine
  • Processed meats
  • Cheese
  • Citrus fruits
  • Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Other common causes of primary headaches include:

  • Bad posture
  • Stress
  • Too much screen time
  • Too little sleep but sometimes even too much sleep
  • Fluorescent or flickering lights 
  • Hormonal changes (females only)

Causes of secondary headaches

Secondary headaches occur when they are triggered by an identifiable underlying cause, often a health issue. 

Common causes of secondary headaches are:

  • Sinus infections
  • Middle ear infections
  • Eye strain
  • Dental problems
  • Teeth grinding
  • Dehydration

Sometimes however, secondary headaches are caused by serious health problems. These include:

  • Aneurysms
  • Brain tumours
  • Meningitis
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Head injuries
  • Glaucoma

When to call a doctor

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin should be your first line of defence with anything believe to be a standard headache.

Aspirin should be avoided for children under 16 years of age.

However, you should call your GP and book an appointment as soon as possible if your headaches are:

  • Occurring more regularly
  • Increasing in severity
  • Lasting for several days or weeks, even if not that severe
  • Worsen after taking pain relief
  • Prevent you from sleeping, working or performing daily activities
  • Are causing you distress and the desire to discover their underlying cause
  • Occur during pregnancy (which could indicate preeclampsia)

People with cancer, a weakened immune system or a family history of glaucoma should also see a doctor as soon as possible if experiencing any new type of headache.

When to seek urgent medical attention

Sometimes the onset and pain of symptoms are so severe that they demand immediate medical attention.

At these times, stroke, meningitis or encephalitis may be responsible.

In the following instances, you should go straight to a hospital emergency department or call an ambulance if you have:

  • Difficulty seeing, speaking or walking
  • Numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • Loss of balance
  • A stiff neck
  • A seizure
  • Fainted
  • Confusion or personality changes
  • Headache accompanied by fever above 39C
  • Nausea or vomiting, not related to a hangover
  • An immediate headache after head knock

Book an appointment

On most occasions, a bad headache is not serious and responds quickly to regular pain relief.

But serious headaches warrant urgent medical attention and should not be ignored.

If you suffer regular headaches, chances are you have already learned what some of their triggers are and have worked on avoiding them.

They may include reducing stress levels, neck exercises and massage and drinking less coffee, less alcohol and more water.

Eating more healthily and regular exercise will also help your overall fitness levels and reduce headaches.

So too will improving your sleep – both quantity and quality.

Be aware of your posture when sitting and especially if you work a desk job.

Think about whether you should consider converting to a stand up desk to improve your back position.

It is also probably time you visited your GP.

Regular headaches, even when managed, warrant consultation with a GP to rule out any serious underlying causes.

Book an appointment here today at either our Seaford Road Day and Night Clinic or our Seaford Meadows Day and Night Clinic.