When to Seek Medical Care for a Migraine or Headache

When to Seek Medical Care for a Headache or Migraine

Call a doctor if any of the following occur:

• A change in frequency, severity, or features of the migraine commonly experienced
• A new, progressive headache
• A headache brought on by coughing, sneezing, bearing down, straining while on the toilet, and so on
• Large, unintentional loss of body weight

Recommended Related to Migraines/Headaches

Tests for Diagnosing Migraines

Angiography of the head and neck Blood glucose levels Cervical spine x-ray Chemistry screen Complete blood count (CBC) Computed tomography (CT) scan C-reactive protein (CRP) Electroencephalogram (EEG) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Facial X-ray Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Ophthalmoscopy Prolactin level Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) Temporal artery biopsy Thyroid-stimulating hormon...

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Go to a hospital emergency department if any of the following occur:

• Weakness or paralysis
• Having the worst headache ever, especially if the headache came on very quickly
• Headache associated with trauma to the head
• Trauma to the head with loss of consciousness
• Fever or stiff neck associated with a headache
• Decreased level of consciousness or confusion
• Seizure