Any time your head starts to hurt, it can feel worrisome. This is probably due to the fact that head pain causes can range from mild dehydration all the way to a blood clot or stroke!

Since head pain can be as simple as a minor nuisance or as serious as a life threatening condition, it is important to know when it is OK to stay home to treat your symptoms and when seeking medical attention is necessary.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team shares some basic info about headaches below.

What Headache Remedies Should I Try First?

At the onset of your head pain, the first thing you should do is take a break from whatever you are doing. This is especially important if you have been on your computer or phone for a while. In most cases, headaches are caused by minor disruptions within the pain-sensitive nerves in your brain, and rest and relaxation can help you feel better. Drink some water, have a snack and take that well-deserved break.

You can also take some OTC pain medication if your headache isn’t accompanied by any other concerning symptoms. Sometimes, headaches can indicate serious issues like blood clots or strokes. These instances are medical emergencies every time and need to be treated as such! Any of the symptoms below should prompt you to seek medical help right away.

Headache Red Flags

• 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

What Does a Headache Diagnosis Entail?

When you come to see us, we will do a full evaluation and obtain your health history to determine whether your headache is new or a chronic issue. If we determine your headache has a simple solution, we can offer some pain relief options and discuss tips to prevent this pain in the future.

If we are concerned about a life-threatening condition like a blood clot, tumor or stroke, we will act quickly to ensure you are cared for right away. Situations like these usually require a hospital stay to recover from, in addition to tests like CT scans or MRIs to investigate further. We will help you navigate this process!

Things That Can Contribute to Your Head Pain

• 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 Sevierville for a diagnosis.