At some point during your life, you are almost guaranteed to have a headache. They can be caused by so many different things that it is one of the most common ailments for adults.

Thankfully, most headache causes are minor and can be remedied with either water, rest or some OTC pain relief. In rare cases, a headache could be an indication of an emerging medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Knowing what red flags to watch out for when it comes to headaches is important, so our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team shares the details below.

Can I Treat a Headache on My Own?

Whenever your head starts to ache or pound, you can try some simple steps on your own to help remedy the situation. Start with some water or a snack to see if your body is simply dehydrated or hungry. You should also take a break from screens and rest in a quiet or dark room for a while.

If these steps aren’t helping, keep an eye on your pain. Mild pain can be then treated by some OTC anti-inflammatory or pain reliever. If your pain is getting worse, is becoming more localized or is accompanied by any of the below warning signs, it is time to be seen by a medical provider to rule out a serious illness.

Warning Signs With Head Pain

• Sudden and severe pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or stiff neck
• Headaches after an injury or accident
• Vision changes
• Numbness or paralysis on the body

How Are Serious Headache Causes Diagnosed?

Once you determine that your headache and accompanying symptoms necessitate a visit to us, our team will quickly evaluate your symptoms and overall health.

An initial exam will be done, and a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to investigate further. If a serious issue is discovered, a hospital stay or referral to a specialist will most likely happen next. Never take serious head pain lightly! Taking quick action could save your life.

Common Headache Triggers

• Alcohol
• Bright lights or a busy atmosphere
• Loud music
• TV screens or your cell phone

Headaches are something to always take seriously. If you are experiencing frequent headaches, stop by AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail for a diagnosis.