When Should I See a Doctor for a Headache?
September 05, 2024
Headaches usually aren’t a cause for concern, but sometimes a doctor’s opinion is helpful—or even necessary.
“Many people feel that headaches are so common, they don’t seek medical attention,” says Regina Krel, M.D., director of headache medicine at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center and assistant professor of neurology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. “Headaches can become debilitating, causing people to miss work or activities with friends or family members.”
Some headaches improve with over-the-counter medication, sleep or hydration. Others may be more persistent and decrease the quality of life.
“Tension headaches are the most common primary headache subtype, followed by migraine,” Dr. Krel says.
When to See a Doctor for a Headache
How can you tell if your headache warrants a doctor visit? Make an appointment if:
- You have other symptoms with your headache, like:
- Fatigue
- Vision changes
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Your headache gets worse:
- When you lie down or stand up
- After you exercise
- When you cough
- After sexual activity
- Your headaches:
- Reach peak pain intensity within one minute
- Always affect the same spot, such as the right temple
- Were nonexistent before age 50 but now occur regularly
- Have worsened in intensity over time
- Your intense headache pain:
- Wakes you at night
- Feels worse after a night of sleep
- Doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
- Makes you call out sick or cancel social plans
When to Seek Emergency Care for a Headache
Severe headache can be a sign of hemorrhagic stroke or brain aneurysm. Seek emergency care if you are having the worst headache of your life, or your headache is accompanied by any the following symptoms:
- A stiff neck
- New speech problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Which Doctors Treat Headaches
Primary care doctors: In most cases, you should visit your primary care physician for a headache,” Dr. Krel says. “If the primary care doctor isn’t equipped to treat you, a neurologist or headache medicine specialist is the next step.”
Headache specialists: Headache specialists often see patients whose headaches don’t respond to treatment.
Emergency department: For the worst headache of your life, bypass primary care and urgent care, and head straight to the emergency department. “Many urgent cares can’t do a CT scan of the head, and that’ll delay potentially life-saving treatment,” Dr. Krel says.
Tests to Diagnose Headache
Doctors may diagnose headaches with:
- Blood tests for anemia, thyroid function, Lyme disease or vitamin D and B12 levels
- Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) if necessary
Doctors may treat some headaches without awaiting test results. “Sometimes we say, ‘This is likely migraine based on everything you told me, so let’s treat it,’” Dr. Krel says.
Several treatments are available, including medication and non-medication options.
“You don’t have to accept headaches as the norm. There’s lots that we can do,” Dr. Krel says. “There’s no reason to just say, ‘I’m going to live with it.’”
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Regina Krel, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a headache medicine specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about headache and migraine treatment at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
