Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if a headache:
Becomes extremely severe within seconds or about a minute
Comes with new weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
Occurs with fainting, a seizure, severe drowsiness, or difficulty walking
Follows a head injury and is worsening, especially with repeated vomiting
Comes with sudden loss of vision or a painful red eye
May be linked to carbon monoxide exposure
If carbon monoxide is possible, move into fresh air if you can do so safely and call emergency services.
Do not re-enter the building until it has been assessed.
And for anyone, someone who:
has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day medical advice for a new or unusually severe headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash, or feeling seriously unwell.
Also get prompt advice if you are pregnant or recently gave birth and develop a new severe headache, particularly with vision changes or upper abdominal pain.
A new headache after age 50 needs prompt assessment if it comes with scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, or vision changes.
You should also seek same-day advice for a new headache if you have a weakened immune system, cancer, or take medicine that reduces blood clotting.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if headaches are becoming more frequent, changing in pattern, disturbing sleep, or affecting work, school, or daily activities.
Arrange follow-up if you regularly need pain medicine or self-care is no longer helping.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Headache. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.