Have you ever had a headache that felt like the most excruciating pain you have ever felt? Or maybe you have a headache nearly every day of the week. Whatever condition you may have suffered, you might have pondered when you need to be worried about a headache? Should you go to the emergency room? Should you seek advice from your dentist? To help you relax and know when a trip to the doctor is necessary, Aventura headache specialist Dr. Risa Ravitz has outlined some of the symptoms you should never dismiss if you have a headache. Continue reading to learn more.
Intense Agony
Intense pain is one sure-fire sign that you should not overlook your headache. You should not hesitate to seek immediate expert care in such circumstances as the excruciating agony is your body’s warning sign that something is not quite right. The reason for the intense headache pain could be a life-threatening condition, such as an aneurysm or brain hemorrhage. Always look out for other common symptoms, including clouded vision, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.
Recurring Headaches
Another reason you should be worried about a headache is if you have repeated headaches. Recurrent headaches are often an indication that something more serious is wrong with your health. For example, if you are coping with sleep disruptions, hormonal fluctuations, TMJ difficulties, using certain drugs, anxiety, coffee withdrawal, or sleep apnea, you can get frequent headaches. Identifying the source of your recurrent headache will aid in the development of a treatment strategy that will provide long-term relief.
Headaches That Keep You Up at Night
A headache that wakes you up is another indicator of a headache you should not dismiss. If your pain is so severe that it interferes with your sleep and forces you to wake up, you may have a major health concern. Similarly, if your headache worsens at night, sometimes even keeping you from sleeping, this could also be a reason to worry. More often than not, headaches could worsen during the night because your lower jaw (mandible) falls backward when you sleep. This condition puts strain on nerves and blood vessels, thus, causing headaches.
Throbbing Headache
Severe discomfort, such as throbbing and light sensitivity, indicates that you are not suffering from a typical headache. Rather, it is probably a migraine. Migraines can strike at any time, and the symptoms may linger for days; hence, the need to see a specialist. If you suspect a migraine, other associated symptoms you should watch out for include discomfort around the eyes, aura, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Headaches Associated With A Stiff Neck And Fever
If a stiff neck and fever accompany your headache, you may be suffering from meningitis. Meningitis is a disorder wherein the spinal cord membranes, and the brain becomes swollen. Other associated symptoms include rash, tiredness, muscle discomfort, and vomiting. Considering that this condition can spread swiftly and be fatal, visit a doctor right away if you suffer any of these symptoms.
Whereas most headaches do not inflict permanent harm, the discomfort may create significant disruption in your life. Besides, some headaches might be a symptom of a more severe, underlying health concern. Thus, do not overlook a headache, especially if it is characterized by one or more of the above-highlighted concerns. Contact Modern Migraine MD to get to the root cause of your head pain. Call the office near you or use the online booking tool to arrange an initial consultation with Dr. Risa Ravitz today.
