What are red flag signs for headache?

Red flags are concerning symptoms that need further investigation.  See your physician if you have any red flag signs.

Headache red flags:

Systemic symptoms: fever, chills, immunocompromised condition, infection, muscle aches, night sweats, weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, cancer

Neurologic symptoms: double vision, impaired consciousness, pulsatile ringing in the ears, seizures, confusion.

Onset: occurs intensely within a few minutes like a “thunderclap” headache.

Older:  Headaches starting after age 50

Progression:  If there is a change in headache features, pattern or severity over time.

Precipitated by bearing down (like with a bowel movement or sit-ups)

Worse with lying down.

Swelling of the optic nerve with headache (seen by eye doctor)

Headaches worsen with exercise