Mental health · 4 min read
Migraine or Headache: When to Seek Help
Migraine is a clinical condition that can involve symptoms beyond head pain. A new, sudden, unusually severe, or clearly different headache needs prompt medical attention because it may not be a typical migraine.
Key answer
The short version
Migraine is a clinical condition that can involve symptoms beyond head pain. A new, sudden, unusually severe, or clearly different headache needs prompt medical attention because it may not be a typical migraine.
Migraine is not simply “a bad headache”
Migraine attacks can include head pain plus sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, visual symptoms, and other neurologic symptoms. A clinician can evaluate the pattern and decide whether the symptoms fit migraine or need another workup.
Changes are important
Keep track of the onset, pattern, intensity, associated symptoms, medicines used, and what is different from prior attacks. That information helps a clinician evaluate whether routine follow-up, treatment changes, testing, or referral is appropriate.
Emergency red flags
A sudden “thunderclap” headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, new vision changes, trouble walking, fever with neck stiffness, or a headache that is unlike your usual pattern may need emergency evaluation. Call 911 for emergency symptoms.
Sources
1. American Migraine Foundation, Migraine Symptoms FAQ
Migraine symptoms and clinical distinction from ordinary headache.
2. American Migraine Foundation, Changes in Headache Symptoms: When to be Concerned
Headache red flags and prompt-care guidance.