Headaches are one of the most common health problems amongst people of all ages. Something as simple as stress, insomnia, and even weak vision can cause them. Fortunately, there is nothing to worry about them most of the time and they even need not be treated medically. Moreover, the more problematic ones such as tension headaches and migraines can be easily managed with mild medication, natural therapies, and apt diet and lifestyle changes. There is yet another and more serious category that you should worry about- a potentially fatal headache. It is associated with symptoms that you must take more seriously and seek medical help urgently. Let us list them for you.

 A headache followed by a head trauma 

If you experience a headache right after a head injury, it is an indication of a potentially dangerous brain injury such as a hemorrhage or concussion. Even a minor fall can be life-threatening because it can cause hemorrhage in the brain. Loss of consciousness, memory loss, vomiting and weakness, and impaired vision are some other warning signs that you should not ignore in this case. Rather, immediate medical attention can be life-saving.

A sudden and severe headache 

Known as “thunderclap” headaches, these happen suddenly and become intense as quickly as within 60 seconds. The pain may, however, subside after an hour. You may experience severe pain when there is bleeding in the brain followed by a stroke, an aneurysm, or another injury.  If you are not really sure about what you are going through, a quick look at https://painendshere.com/common-questions/headaches-and-migraines/headache-location-chart/ can help you understand your state. If the condition is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and confusion, you must see a doctor sooner rather than later. 

A headache with weakness on one side 

Another problem you must take seriously is a sudden and severe headache along with weakness on one side of the head. If the pain carries down to shoulders and arms as well, it is a sign of damage to the venous sinuses in the brain. They may subsequently get clogged and cause bleeding in the brain. At the worst, you may suffer from a fatal stroke. Other indications that you need to beware of include vision impairment, erratic speech, and sensitivity to light and noise.

Severe headache with fever and neck stiffness

Another type of headache that needs immediate attention is a severe one, along with fever and stiffness in the neck. Rashes, light sensitivity, and muscle rigidity are some other symptoms you should look out for. They could be an indication of meningitis, a condition associated with the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Caused by a bacterial or viral infection, the disease can be fatal if not treated in time. 

Most of the time, people tend to take headaches less seriously as they relate them with stress, poor lifestyle, and lack of rest. Still, these are the more serious forms that need to be addressed immediately. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment in these cases can actually save your life.