Headaches can cause pain, are uncomfortable, and are even debilitating. But most of the time, they are not a cause for worry. Serious health problems or health conditions are not caused by headaches. There are usually 36 types of common headaches. However, an excruciating or lingering headache is a sign that something is wrong. If you have a headache that is causing you trouble for some time, visit the best neurology hospital in Pune to determine the sign and plan for a headache.

Headache symptoms you should get concerned about

A headache typically produces pain in your head, face, or neck area. Get immediate medical treatment if you have serious, strange pain or other manifestations and symptoms. Your headache may be a warning of an underlying disorder or health condition.

Your headache pain may be severe if you have:

• sudden, very violent headache pain (thunderclap headache)
• severe or intense headache pain for the first time
• a stiff neck and fever
• a fever greater than 102 to 104°F
• nausea and vomiting
• a nosebleed
• fainting
• dizziness or loss of balance
• pain that wakes you from sleep
• pain that grows worse when you shift position
• double or dimmed vision or auras (light around objects)
• face tingling and auras that last greater than an hour
• confusion or trouble hearing speech
• droopiness on one part of your face
• weakness on any one part of the body
• slurred or garbled speech
• difficulty walking
• hearing problems
• muscle or joint pain
• pain that comes out after coughing, sneezing, or any type of exertion
• constant aching in the same area of your head
• seizures
• night sweats
• unexplained weight loss
• tenderness or an uncomfortable area on your head
• swelling on your face or head
• a bang or injury on your head
• an animal bite on your body

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, visit the best brain hospital in Pune for treatment.

Causes of serious headaches

Normal headaches are typically caused by dehydration, nerve pain, muscle tension, fever, caffeine withdrawal, drinking alcohol, or eating certain foods. You should also talk to your doctor if you have migraines and how to cure them.

Headaches can be a symptom of some severe illnesses or health problems, including:

• severe dehydration
• tooth or gum infection
• high blood pressure
• heatstroke
• stroke
• head injury or concussion
• meningococcal disease
• preeclampsia
• cancer
• brain tumor
• brain aneurysm
• brain hemorrhage
• Capnocytophaga infection (typically from a cat or dog bite)

When to go for medical care

Stroke: Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is restricted. A stroke is usually preventable and treatable, and hence, when it occurs, prompt medical attention is important. A side of people's face drooping to one side, discomfort in raising their hand above their arms, slurred speech are some of the signs exhibited by someone having a stroke. Visit the Best hospital in Pune if you think that you are having a stroke.

Concussion: You should go for immediate medical attention if you have a head injury, or you may have a concussion or a mild brain injury. If you are having symptoms of a concussion after a fall or a blow to the head, the symptoms may include:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• blurred vision or double vision
• drowsiness
• feeling sluggish
• balance problems
• slowed reaction time

Heatstroke: Excessive exercise in warm weather may also cause heatstroke. You should cool down your body by moving into a shade or air-conditioned space. Look for the following signs:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscle cramps
• dry skin (no sweating)
• pale or red skin
• difficulty walking
• fast breathing
• fast heart rate
• fainting or seizures

Preeclampsia: If you are pregnant and having headaches in the third trimester, then these could be the signs of preeclampsia. This health problem causes excessive blood pressure. It can contribute to liver and kidney deterioration, brain injury, and other significant problems. Preeclampsia usually appears after week 20 of pregnancy. This blood pressure condition develops in up to 8 percent of pregnant women who may be otherwise normal. It is a contributing cause of death and disability in mothers and newborn babies.

How are severe headaches treated?

Treatment for severe headache pain depends on the guiding cause. You may require to see a neurologist (brain and nervous system specialist). The Best doctor in Pune may suggest several tests and scans to help determine the cause, such as:

• medical record and physical exam
• eye exam
• ear exam
• blood test
• spinal fluid test
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• EEG (brain wave test)

You may require intravenous fluids (through a needle) to deal with conditions like severe dehydration and heatstroke. Your physician may prescribe daily medications to cure a health condition like high blood pressure. A severe infection may be cared for with antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Can you avoid serious headaches?

If you have severe headache pain because of a chronic condition like migraine, your physician might recommend prescription medicines to help forestall or reduce migraine pain.

If you have high blood pressure, take the drug as prescribed to help lower it. Follow a moderate-sodium diet to manage your blood pressure from spiking. Check your blood pressure constantly on a home monitor. This can help avoid serious headaches precipitated by high blood pressure.