Tension headache: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity quickly
   • Headache with weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion, fainting, or difficulty speaking
   • Headache with a seizure
   • Headache with fever, a stiff neck, marked drowsiness, or a new rash
   • Severe headache with sudden loss of vision

   These features are not typical of tension headache and need assessment for other causes.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment for a new headache during pregnancy or soon after giving birth, after a significant head injury, or alongside persistent vomiting.

   You should also get prompt help for a new headache with scalp tenderness or jaw pain while chewing, especially after age 50.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if:

   • Headaches are happening regularly or becoming more frequent
   • You need pain medicine repeatedly
   • The symptoms are affecting work, sleep, study, or daily activities
   • Your headache pattern has changed
   • You are unsure whether the headaches are tension headaches or migraines
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tension headache. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.