Severe headaches
The severity of discomfort associated with headaches can vary between patients, the types of headaches and the time-course. However there are important conditions that need to be excluded with a severe headache.
Sudden onset of severe headache (thunderclap headache), is a common presentation of a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The headache may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and the bleed can cause meningeal irritation that leads to: neck stiffness and pain, back pain, bilateral leg pain, and photophobia.
A SAH should be considered if any of the following features are associated with a severe rapid onset headache (over one hour) that is not associated with trauma:
- Aged over 40 years old
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Loss of consciousness
- Onset of headache during exertion
- Thunderclap headache
- Limited neck flexion
If a SAH is suspected then it is very important to present to emergency ASAP where investigations will exclude this diagnosis (this would include a head CT scan).
Get frequent migraines? Act now!
If you or a member of your family suffer from frequent migraines then we may be able to help. Simply contact us to book an appointment for assessment and treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions).
