Headaches are one of the most common concerns of clinic patients, and also one of the most complex. The most prevalent types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. While these types of headaches are rarely dangerous, they can be debilitating and may require medicine to manage. They are called “primary” headaches, meaning they have no clear underlying reversible cause. By contrast, secondary headaches develop because of an underlying medical problem and can be a warning sign of something more serious. Knowing when to seek medical attention for a headache could save your life or at least greatly improve your quality of life.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common. The pain is often described as a dull, “band-like” pressure around the forehead, usually mild to moderate, and not throbbing. They can often be managed with over-the-counter medicines. Your medical provider can tell you which medications are safe for you. If tension headaches are frequent or severe enough to make you miss work or school, talk to your primary care provider (PCP).

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are the second most common type of headache. Anyone can get them, but they occur more often in women and girls, and they often run in families. Migraines are usually moderate to severe and are associated with vision changes, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. If you struggle with migraines, a health care provider can recommend treatments and prevention strategies, while also ensuring medications you take aren’t making them worse. Ocular migraines, in contrast, are often less painful but may cause kaleidoscope-like vision changes before or during the headache. If your migraine symptoms change suddenly or feel different from your usual pattern, it’s important to let a provider know.

Red Flag Headaches

Most headaches aren’t dangerous, but some are signs of a serious condition.

Go to the ER right away if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
• A headache after a head injury or loss of consciousness
• Pain that gets worse over time
• Headache with weakness, decreased alertness, confusion, speech difficulties, loss of balance, or loss of vision
• Headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or rash
• Headache with one-sided neck pain, eye pain/swelling, or vision loss
• Headache with very high blood pressure

People over age 50, those with a history of cancer, or anyone who notices the headache worsens when lying down or coughing should talk to a medical provider about their symptoms right away.  Headaches tied to high blood pressure are another concern, and blood pressure medications can often be adjusted.

Headaches are painful to live with and can be tricky to evaluate. When in doubt, the safest choice is to talk to a provider, especially if you have a new headache, one that’s getting worse, or headaches interfere with daily life. Call 320.634.5157 to schedule a clinic appointment.