Without effective treatment, migraine attacks usually last for four to 24 hours. When you're suffering a migraine, even four hours is far too long — and that's why early treatment for a migraine is so important.
Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent. Your headache is "the worst ever," even if you regularly get headaches. You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache. Your headache gets worse over 24 hours.
See your doctor if your headaches are frequent, you've had a headache for more than a few days, or your headaches are causing you stress or worry. Rarely, a headache might be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Don't hesitate to go straight to hospital (via ambulance, or with a trusted driver) if you notice one or more of the following: sudden onset of the worst headache you've ever had. headache that worsens with exercise or sexual intercourse. neck stiffness (new since the headache started)
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if: Your headache gets worse or doesn't improve with an over-the-counter pain medication. Your headache prevents you from working, sleeping or going about your daily activities. Your headaches start occurring more often than usual or are more painful and intense than usual.
If needed, your ER doctor can provide medications to help temporarily alleviate your migraine until you can see your regular doctor. Headache medications can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. These include: antiemetics to help relieve nausea and pain.
Have you ever experienced a headache that lasted for several days? If so, this is not normal. Although this isn't a sign of a serious or life-threatening health problem, it is a sign that you may have a headache disorder or an underlying problem such as TMJ disorder.
They are often described as dull, "pressure-type" headaches, though some patients also experience sharp or "stabbing" pain. They can be localized to a specific area or generalized. They can be made worse with coughing, sneezing or straining.
See a GP if:
painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse. you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache.
Going to sleep with an untreated migraine is commonly a mistake as it may worsen during the night and become difficult to treat in the morning. If a migraineur is sleep deprived, he or she can expect more migraines, while those who oversleep may wake with attacks that are very resistant to therapy.
Pain from a dehydration headache can range from mild to severe. You may feel pain all over your head or in just one spot, such as the back, front or side. The pain is usually like a dull ache, but it can also be sharp. You may have a throbbing (pounding) headache, or the pain might be constant.
In some cases, headaches can result from a blow to the head or, rarely, a sign of a more serious medical problem. Stress. Emotional stress and depression as well as alcohol use, skipping meals, changes in sleep patterns, and taking too much medication. Other causes include neck or back strain due to poor posture.
Imaging tests.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to help diagnose brain tumors. Sometimes a dye is injected through a vein in your arm during your MRI study.
Occasional headaches are common, and usually require no medical attention. However, consult your doctor if: You usually have two or more headaches a week. You take a pain reliever for your headaches most days.
Persistent Headaches
If you notice that you have had a headache for a week straight, it may be time to go to the doctors and see what the issue is. While a persistent headache isn't automatically a sign of a serious underlying condition, it can be an indicator of a headache disorder.
Episodic tension-type headaches Episodic tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week, and occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. Chronic tension-type headaches Chronic tension-type headaches last hours, may be continuous, and occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months.
Get urgent medical attention if you have severe, unusual pain or other signs and symptoms. Your headache may be a sign of an underlying illness or health condition. Your headache pain may be serious if you have: sudden, very intense headache pain (thunderclap headache)
A number of sleep or health disorders, as well as personal habits, can trigger a headache when you wake up. Sleep apnea, migraine, and lack of sleep are common culprits. However, teeth grinding, alcohol use, and certain medications can also cause you to wake up with a headache.
Clinical bottom line: Water intake is a cost effective, non-invasive and low-risk intervention to reduce or prevent headache pain. Rationale: Chronic mild dehydration may trigger headache. Increased water intake could help.
A hypertension headache is a pain, often occurring on both sides of the head, pulsating and getting worse with physical activity. The headache is typically accompanied by other symptoms associated with high blood pressure.