General health education · Reviewed by Nicholas O. Atudonyang, MD, Medical Director, on October 18, 2026. Not a diagnosis or an individual care plan.
Recognize a change from your usual pattern
For recurring headaches, note timing, duration, associated symptoms, and anything that seems to bring them on. A familiar label does not make every new episode the same. Tell a clinician if the pattern, severity, or frequency changes.
Emergency warning signs
A sudden explosive headache, the worst headache you have experienced, or headache with new weakness, speech difficulty, confusion, loss of balance, or a major vision change needs immediate assessment. A severe headache with fever and a stiff neck, after a head injury, or that starts right after exertion also warrants urgent evaluation. Seek prompt assessment for a new headache if you are over 50, have a history of cancer, or have a weakened immune system.
Prepare for non-emergency follow-up
For a routine discussion, bring a record of headaches and how they affect work, sleep, or other activities. Include any previous assessment or relevant results. Ask what change in symptoms should prompt a new evaluation.
Use the right level of care
Do not wait for routine phone scheduling when emergency signs are present. This page does not diagnose migraine or determine the cause of a headache. An examination and further testing may be necessary based on the individual clinical situation.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment, phone call back or email reply.