Results for: Headache
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Tension‑type headache
The most common primary headache, often described as a tight band around the head.
Migraine
Recurrent throbbing headache usually unilateral, often accompanied by nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia.
Cluster headache
Severe unilateral periorbital pain that occurs in clusters lasting weeks to months, often with autonomic symptoms.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus cavities causing pressure‑type headache, facial pain, and nasal congestion.
COVID‑19 infection
Viral illness that can present with a new‑onset headache, often accompanied by fever, cough, or loss of taste/smell.
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Elevated blood pressure can cause a dull, persistent headache, especially when severely uncontrolled.
Brain tumor
Neoplastic growth within the brain may cause progressive, worsening headache, often worse in the morning.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges presenting with severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and altered mental status.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space causes a sudden, thunderclap headache often described as the worst ever.
Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis)
Inflammation of the temporal arteries causing headache, scalp tenderness, and risk of vision loss.
Medication‑overuse headache
Frequent use of analgesics can paradoxically lead to daily or near‑daily headaches.
Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake can cause a dull, diffuse headache that improves with rehydration.
Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury)
Head injury may result in a headache that worsens with activity and is often accompanied by dizziness or confusion.
Glaucoma (acute angle‑closure)
Sudden rise in intra‑ocular pressure can cause a severe frontal headache with visual disturbances.
Anemia
Reduced red blood cell count can lead to a chronic, pressure‑like headache due to decreased oxygen delivery.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose may cause a headache accompanied by shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
Thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism)
Underactive thyroid can produce a diffuse, mild headache along with fatigue and weight gain.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Interrupted breathing during sleep often leads to morning headaches due to CO₂ retention.
Caffeine withdrawal
Abrupt cessation of regular caffeine intake can cause a throbbing headache within 24 hours.
Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychological stress and hyperarousal associated with PTSD may manifest as tension‑type headaches.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH