When head pain is serious?

If there’s one thing that every human on this planet can agree on, it’s probably the fact that head pain of any kind is simply unbearable. From a dull ache to an excruciating migraine, we’ve all been there and suffered through the agony with gritted teeth.

But how do you know when your head pain is more than just your average headache? Could it be a sign of something more serious? And if so, what should you do about it?

In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of head pain and explore some ways to determine if what you’re experiencing warrants a trip to the doctor or emergency room. So grab an ice pack, take a deep breath, and let’s get started!

The Different Types of Headaches

Believe it or not, not all headaches are created equal. There are actually several different types of headaches that people experience for various reasons. Here are some common ones:

Tension Headache

Ah yes, the classic tension headache. This type of headache often feels like a band squeezing around your forehead and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Fun fact: According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), tension headaches affect up to 78%of adults in their lifetime! That’s right- almost everyone experiences them at least once in their lives.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches might sound like they’re related somehow but trust me when I say they’re nothing alike! While tension headaches typically occur around both sides of your brain/forehead area over time; cluster headaches happen primarily around one eye point which eventually leads towards sinus inflammation , these can last anywhere from weeks wavy hours long per day depending on severity level!(Yes – plural because BONUS! they come in clusters)

One could call them “most painful” due In fact—some experts even refer to them as “suicide headaches.” (We can all let out a collective shudder on this one).

Migraine

When people hear the word ‘migraine’ they instantaneously think of severe head pain, however there’s so much MORE. Along with any moderate-symptoms mentioned before: nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity—are common when it comes to migraines. The pulsating and often debilitating head-pounding is just part of the package deal! Those who experience them can have their activities completely altered for an average of hour to even days.

From your Aunt Margaret’s wine-induced headaches during Thanksgiving dinner to your best friend’s monthly hormonal migraine episodes —it would be wise to pay closer attention in case reoccurrence , because those could continue into adulthood years – and should probably put on their big-kid pants for medical investigation if things take a turn hint hint or nudge nudge

When Should You Worry?

It’s easy to write off a headache as a minor inconvenience that will go away with some rest and over-the-counter medication, but sometimes our bodiesknow more better than we do!

Here are some signs that indicate you may need professional medical assistance:

• Changes in vision (blurred vision or loss thereof)
• Headaches occurring more frequently
• A headache accompanied by fever/sudden high temperature increase
• Persistent/Severe Vomiting Sessions
• Numbness Or Tingling In Body Parts Such As Limbs (back or spinal cord might create this)

Head Pain Triage: Urgent Care vs Emergency Room

If you’re experiencing severe head pain – regardless if having encountered reasons above—this calls for serious concern; now what? Effective ‘triage’ response time is key between picking up phone versus heading directly towards nearest care facility—if frequent emergency room visits sound like happening then definitely something wrong!

But how do you know whether you need to call an ambulance or a family member/Uber to urgent care closest? Let’s break it down below:

Urgent Care

• A new/different headache, esp non recurring one
• Frequency of these incidents hasn’t increased
• No sudden loss of motor function (significant numbness/ inability to speak)
• Ability To Keep Discussion Of Pain “Contained” In Conversation
• Possible Outpatient Triage From Physicians Assistant/Nurse Practitioner.

Emergency Room

If anything in the list below speaks true about your head pain – is necessary that you RUSH AS FAST towards ER.

Here’s when you should absolutely go straight away:

• Confusion/disorientation in thought process during any period.

• Head trauma and serious vomiting occurring simultaneously—especially if lost consciousness at any point.

• Unrelenting severe head pain coupled with high blood pressure spike(!).

At end of it all, remember though people’s personal brush with migraines/tension headaches can vary greatly; so what might be minor for someone could mean grave consequence! Whether symptoms are familiar territory or have taken on completely differently everyday life – getting unwanted visitor(headaches) regularly is never desired.. but some relief insights could allow individuals recognize signs like seeing flashing spots, blurs/making light etc., over time which will lead them towards making most informed medical decision ever. It’s important not to take chance where extremely painful conditions arise —better safe than sorry!