We've all had a headache already, but sometimes we have to be vigilant. Indeed, although most headaches are mild and disappear in a short time, some can hide syndromes rather worrying.
If the pain is bearable and occasional, it can simply be a tension headache, or a migraine caused by sinusitis. In this case, the use of any analgesic is sufficient although self-medication is a practice to be avoided. However, if a headache occurs abruptly or chronic, it is imperative to consult with a specialist. It is the only one able to specify if your headaches are of infectious origin (meningitis), inflammatory (phlebitis) or tumor (cancers and other tumors).
Discover below the 10 dangerous headaches that should not be overlooked:
1- Violent headache with sudden onset, like a "thunderclap"
It starts abruptly, the first 60 seconds are surely the worst because it reaches its peak intensity very quickly, and the pain is unbearable. It could be the symptom of bleeding to the brain. Examinations should be made as soon as possible in the hospital in order to make a diagnosis and to propose an appropriate treatment.
2- Headache from physical exercise
An orgasm can cause a very intense headache, just like any other physical exertion. This headache can be caused by a cerebral aneurysm or tumor.
3- Headache + blurred vision
It results from a stroke and can also be accompanied by speech impairment and mental confusion. A stroke occurs when blood flow to some part of the brain is interrupted, which damages the brain cells.
4- "The worst headache"
Although headache is a common occurrence, if you are experiencing excruciating pain it is essential to consult a doctor as acute pain could signal a brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
5- Headache after age 50
These can be caused by atherosclerosis or blockage of the arteries. It is an ailment of the arteries which can affect the large and middle arteries of the brain, and thus cause strokes.
6- Headache following head trauma
In cases where the pain is permanent and occurs after head trauma, this is known as headache of the post-traumatic brain syndrome.
7- The vascular algia of the face
If the pain sits behind one eye, it is a vascular algia of the face also called cluster headache. It is usually accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and appears following a cerebral aneurysm. This condition is an acute form of headache, it is extremely painful and disabling for the person who suffers from it.
8- Headache as a result of meningitis
Meningitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges and may be due to infection with a virus or bacteria. The usual signs of meningitis are headache, stiff neck and fever.
9- If your headache gets worse after 24 hours
This could be the symptom that a stroke is going on in your brain, so it is very important to get to the emergency room as soon as possible.
10- An unusual headache
If you have had cancer or if you have a history of cancer in your family and you suddenly have an unusual headache, it could be a sign that a cancer or tumor is developing in your brain.
In conclusion, while most headaches are not extremely dangerous, there are some that are really dangerous and so it is important to know their signs.
If you have pain recently and the pain is unusual, it is probably vital to visit a doctor as soon as you can. A headache may conceal a medical emergency that requires assessment as soon as possible.
If headaches become more frequent and / or painful over weeks, if no treatment is available to relieve pain and the pain is unusual, greater and / or longer lasting than normal, yourself at a specialist.