Two signs your headache could be something more serious – neurologist warns risk of bleed, tumour or aneurysm
There are countless daily triggers for a pounding headache, ranging from excessive coffee consumption to work-related stress or a stressful night out.
However, two specialists have cautioned that the source of your head ache may occasionally be much more serious.
In a video posted to his Instagram, neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen stated, “If a headache feels different, like a thunderclap headache, or if it’s lasting longer [than usual], it could be of something serious like a bleed, tumor, or aneurysm.”
Thunderclap headaches, so named because of the weather phenomena, are intense pains that feel like a blow to the head.
A “blinding pain unlike anything experienced before” is the usual outcome, according to the NHS.
The health service recommends victims to phone 999 or go to A&E because this is a medical emergency.
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In the past, Abbas Kanani of Online Pharmacy Chemist Click told Sun Health: “Most headaches are not indicative of a serious ailment and usually go away on their own.
“However, if you notice that your headache keeps returning and painkillers do not help and your headache worsens, it should be checked by a GP.”
Seeing a doctor is especially essential if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to your headache:
- Vomiting
- Pain when exposed to light or noise
If you notice any of these, you should phone NHS 111 or schedule an immediate appointment:
- Jaw pain when eating
- Blurred or double vision
- A sore scalp
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
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Additionally, if your headache is severe or unexpected and follows a head injury, you need to dial 999.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a protrusion in a blood vessel’s weak spot.
Usually, it doesn’t produce any severe symptoms.
However, if an aneurysm bursts, it is extremely dangerous.
As a result, there may be asubarachnoid hemorrhage, which can cause severe brain injury.
According to Abbas, an aneurysm can cause changes in eyesight in addition to headaches.
“An unruptured aneurysm may cause visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or double vision,” he stated.
“Pain above or around your eye, headaches, numbness or weakness on one side of your face and difficulty speaking,” he continued.
“You may also suddenly feel the need to be sick.”
Headaches can be linked to brain tumours
A visit to the doctor is worthwhile if the headaches are new or occur more frequently, as they may be an indication of a brain tumor.
According to the Brain Tumour Charity, headaches are actually one of the first symptoms that around half of all patients with brain tumours report having.
Although the majority of headaches do not indicate the presence of a tumor, it is crucial to recognize the signs.
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According to the NHS, they can result in migraines, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and memory issues.
They may also result in speech or visual issues, personality changes, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.
Do I need to see a doctor about my headache?
You should schedule an immediate consultation with your general practitioner if you answered “yes” to any of the following questions:
- Does your headache keep returning?
- Are painkillers not helping?
- Is your headache worsening over time?
- Are you also vomiting, experiencing pain when exposed to light or noise, or have a throbbing pain at the front or side of your head?
- Do you get pain in your jaw when you eat?
- Are you experiencing blurred or double vision?
- Is your scalp sore?
- Do you have weakness or numbness in your arms or legs?
Call 999 if any of these statements apply:
- My headache is sudden or extreme
- My headache follows a head injury
- My child also has sudden problems speaking or remembering things, swallowing, balancing, walking, loss of vision, drowsiness, confusion, a persistent lack of energy, and a very high temperature following a head injury
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