Should I worry about a persistent headache?

See a doctor if you experience headaches that: Occur more often than usual. Are more severe than usual. Worsen or don't improve with appropriate use of over-the-counter drugs.
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How long is too long for a constant headache?

By definition, chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for longer than three months. True (primary) chronic daily headaches aren't caused by another condition. There are short-lasting and long-lasting chronic daily headaches. Long-lasting headaches last more than four hours.
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Is it normal to have a persistent headache?

No, it's NOT normal to get headaches everyday

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches, which come in many forms – most of them pretty disabling.
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Should I be worried if my headache won't go away?

See a doctor for a headache that never goes away, and for a constant headache that keeps occurring in the same area of the head. People should seek immediate medical attention if they experience the following: a sudden, severe headache. a headache accompanied by neck stiffness.
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What does a brain tumor headache feel like?

Brain tumor headaches tend to cause pain that's worse when coughing or straining. People with brain tumors most often report that the headache feels like a tension headache. Some people say the headache feels like a migraine. Brain tumors in the back of the head might cause a headache with neck pain.
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Chronic Daily Headache - Mayo Clinic



How do I know if my headache is serious?

Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent. Your headache is "the worst ever," even if you regularly get headaches. You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache. Your headache gets worse over 24 hours.
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When should you go to the ER for a headache?

Seek emergency care if:

The headache is accompanied by high fever, confusion, stiff neck, prolonged vomiting, slurred speech or numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Headache medication does not relieve chronic or excruciating pain.
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What if headache lasts longer than a week?

You should seek a professional opinion if you experience a headache that lasts longer than a week. If you are having trouble functioning in daily life or have to frequently take medications to manage the pain, talk with your doctor.
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Should I be worried if I've had a headache for 3 days?

See your doctor if your headaches are frequent, you've had a headache for more than a few days, or your headaches are causing you stress or worry. Rarely, a headache might be a sign of a serious medical condition.
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What is persistent headache everyday?

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a rare disorder that happens unpredictably and for unknown reasons. People with NDPH have a headache that won't stop and doesn't get better with common treatments. For some people, the headache can last years or never goes away.
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What types of headaches should I worry about?

See a GP if: your headache keeps coming back. painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse. you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache.
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Is it normal to have a headache for 4 days?

Tension headaches

They feel like a constant ache that affects both sides of the head, as though a tight band is stretched around it. Normally, tension headaches are not severe enough to prevent you doing everyday activities. They usually last for 30 minutes to several hours, but can last for several days.
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Can an ER do anything for headaches?

Treatments in the ER

If your severe head pain is caused by migraine, an ER doctor will check your vital signs and may give you medicine through an IV to help you feel better. If needed, they may also give you IV fluid, containing water and salts, to hydrate you.
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What will the ER do for a headache?

ER doctors can treat migraines with:

Nausea and pain relief medications. Nonsteroidal drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation. Sumatriptan for rapid migraine relief. Fluids via IV to prevent or alleviate dehydration.
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What does a dehydration headache feel like?

Pain from a dehydration headache can range from mild to severe. You may feel pain all over your head or in just one spot, such as the back, front or side. The pain is usually like a dull ache, but it can also be sharp. You may have a throbbing (pounding) headache, or the pain might be constant.
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Why do I wake up with a headache every day?

A number of sleep or health disorders, as well as personal habits, can trigger a headache when you wake up. Sleep apnea, migraine, and lack of sleep are common culprits. However, teeth grinding, alcohol use, and certain medications can also cause you to wake up with a headache.
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When is headache a brain tumor?

Every patient's pain experience is unique, but headaches associated with brain tumors tend to be constant and are worse at night or in the early morning. They are often described as dull, "pressure-type" headaches, though some patients also experience sharp or "stabbing" pain.
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What are the symptoms of Stage 1 brain tumor?

Brain Tumor Symptoms
  • Headaches.
  • Seizures or convulsions.
  • Difficulty thinking, speaking or finding words.
  • Personality or behavior changes.
  • Weakness, numbness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body.
  • Loss of balance, dizziness or unsteadiness.
  • Loss of hearing.
  • Vision changes.
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What are the odds my headache is a tumor?

If the pain lasts or recurs, you may wonder if you have a serious problem such as a brain tumor. Here's the reassuring truth: Headache, by itself, is rarely caused by a tumor.
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Is morning headache a red flag?

Morning headaches are common, and most of the time, there's no reason for concern. However, if you find yourself frequently waking up with headaches, it's important to pay attention to the type of pain you feel and if you're experiencing any accompanying neurological symptoms.
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Why shouldn't you go to sleep with a headache?

Going to sleep with an untreated migraine is commonly a mistake as it may worsen during the night and become difficult to treat in the morning. If a migraineur is sleep deprived, he or she can expect more migraines, while those who oversleep may wake with attacks that are very resistant to therapy.
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