Chances are that you have had a headache or two before in your lifetime. They are so common that they are actually one of the most common reasons for urgent care visits around the country!

Headaches can range from mildly annoying to extremely painful and serious, so it is important to know what red flags to look for when your own head starts to hurt. We can help! Check out AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd.’s latest blog all about headaches below.

Where Did My Headache Come From?

The vast majority of headaches are caused by some type of disruption within the pain-sensing nerves in your head, neck or face. This disruption can be caused by stress, dehydration, muscle tension, lack of sleep or other primary causes. When these headaches occur, they can typically be remedied with water, rest and some OTC pain medication.

The other possibility for your headache is much rarer but also much more dangerous. These types of headaches are caused by an issue within your body that cannot be treated at home. Some examples of these causes include blood clots, strokes and tumors. If you are experiencing a sudden headache alongside any of the warning signs below, seek medical attention right away.

Common Red Flags for Headaches

• Sudden and severe pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or stiff neck
• Headaches after an injury or accident
• Vision changes
• Numbness or paralysis on the body
  

How Is a Headache Diagnosed?

If your headache is due to a primary cause like stress or dehydration, we can help you feel better with some pain medication suggestions and we can discuss some lifestyle changes or stress management ideas to help prevent further headaches in the future.

In order to accurately diagnose a serious condition like a blood clot, you will most likely be referred for a CT scan or MRI to get a better picture of what is going on inside your head. If a serious issue is discovered, you can expect a hospital stay for treatment and visits with a specialist to talk about next steps.

Caring for a Headache at Home

• Drink water.
• Get plenty of rest in a quiet, dark room.
• Take an OTC pain reliever or anti-inflammatory.
• Drink a small amount of caffeine.

Headaches are something to always take seriously. If you are experiencing frequent headaches, stop by AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd. for a diagnosis.