Head pain: First aid

Most headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever. Some head pain, however, signals a dangerous or serious medical problem. Don't ignore unexplained head pain or head pain that steadily worsens.

Get immediate medical attention if your head pain:

• Develops suddenly and severely


• Accompanies a fever; stiff neck; rash; mental confusion; loss of consciousness; seizures; changes in vision, such as blurring or seeing halos around lights; dizziness; weakness or paralysis, such as in the arms or legs; loss of balance; a reddened eye; numbness; or difficulty speaking


• Is severe and follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection


• Begins or worsens after a head injury, fall or bump


• Is a different type of headache from your usual and you're older than 50


• Progressively worsens over the course of a single day or persists for several days