Most people experience headaches at some point in their lives. Tension headaches, migraines, sinus headaches, and more are among the common types of headaches. Though they can be painful and uncomfortable, headaches are one of the most common facial pain conditions and are usually nothing to be concerned about.
However, that is not to say that all headaches should be ignored. Some headaches could signal a more serious issue and demand immediate medical intervention. Read on to learn about some warning signs that your headache may require medical attention and professional help.
1. Recurring and chronic headaches
This form of headache, also known as a chronic headache, appears suddenly and is accompanied by excruciating pain that lasts for at least 24 hours. It may even go on for several days or even months.
Although this form of headache is uncommon, individuals who do experience it often struggle with its crippling symptoms. A chronic headache that occurs every day may not respond to conventional headache treatments and may take several months to go away on its own. In such cases, it is vital to seek professional help from a headache specialist.
2. Stiff neck and fever
There are some headaches that can be accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, such as tension headaches. The presence of a sudden, severe headache, a stiff neck, a fever, and/or sensitivity to light, however, may indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.
3. Numbness
Numbness and tingling are common symptoms in individuals who have hemiplegic migraine, a type of migraine that is accompanied by one-sided weakness. These may persist for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. There are times when the numbness is so bad that the migraine sufferer feels as though they are unable to move their body. Generally, the presence of numbness or weakness along with a headache, slurred speech, or trouble walking could be signs of a more serious problem.
4. Loss of consciousness
Typically, a migraine with a brainstem aura causes a brief loss of consciousness. This particular sort of migraine starts in the brainstem, where it progresses to the point where fainting may occur. Before the pain manifests, other symptoms such as short-term speech impairment, dizziness, impaired hearing, double vision, or instability in walking may also arise.
People who have migraine attacks accompanied by brainstem auras may be at risk of conditions such as Meniere's disease, ischemic stroke, epilepsy, or ear disorders that alter balance and cause vertigo.
Conclusion
An odd headache is nothing more than a brief roadblock during an active day for the majority of people. However, if you are experiencing any of the 4 symptoms mentioned above, it would be best that you seek help from a Singapore headache specialist as soon as possible.
Here at Affinity Pain Clinic, we are committed to conducting a comprehensive and thorough analysis to better understand the root cause of your headaches and to identify any possible medical conditions. With a thorough process that includes an assessment, physical examination, cutting-edge imaging, and specialised treatment options catered to your needs, we take great pride in always prioritising our patients and treating them with the utmost care to ensure their successful recovery.
We are a trusted pain management clinic that specialises in a range of treatments, from facial pains treatment to muscle tear treatment in Singapore and more. For further enquiries, do not hesitate to get in touch with us by filling out the contact form here and we will get back to you soonest.
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