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 for:
A headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes
New weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
Fainting, a seizure, severe drowsiness, or loss of coordination
Fever with a stiff neck, marked light sensitivity, or a new rash
Sudden headache with loss of vision
Severe headache after a significant head injury
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 medical assessment for a new headache during pregnancy or after giving birth, after a recent head injury, or with cancer, a weakened immune system, or a blood-clotting disorder.
A new headache after age 50 or one that steadily worsens also needs prompt assessment.
These features do not necessarily mean that a dangerous cause is present, but they need urgent evaluation.
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
Arrange a routine medical appointment if:
Headaches are happening regularly or becoming more frequent
You need pain medicine on many days
Your usual treatment has stopped helping
The pain is affecting sleep, work, study, or daily activities
You are unsure whether the headaches are migraine or tension-type
Your headache pattern has changed without emergency symptoms
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tension-type headaches. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.