It is important to recognize what could set off some types of headaches because they can be dangerous or require treatment of the underlying cause.
For instance, dental or sinus infection could set off a headache and if not treated, the headache may not go away.
Headaches can be a sign of something serious going on, let's rule out situations that may require urgent care or emergency room visit.
Let's make sure you are not looking at an emergency situation like a stroke coming on.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Call 911 or seek emergency room visit if you are experiencing most of these symptoms:
These are the main signs and symptoms of someone having a stroke. If this does not apply to you, then let's continue
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
If the neck is so stiff that the chin cannot touch the chest, call 911.
This is serious unless you are sure it is a nerve problem or something you are familiar with like a neck injury or surgery you had.
Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness. Early treatment is important.
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Let's continue and see if we can rule out glaucoma. Don't panic yet.
Symptoms of glaucoma include:
Symptoms of glaucoma include:
Symptoms of acute closed angle glaucoma include:
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Symptoms of acute closed angle glaucoma include:
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Damage to the optic nerve may start rapidly and if not treated within 6 to 10 hours can lead to permanent loss of vision.
If you are positive that this is not the case, then let's continue.
Else, you should start heading to the emergency room now.
Would you like to see the nearest hospital?
Note:
We do not advice continuing for now. You should only continue if you are not experiencing the question asked.
Here is why:
Some headaches may be a sign of a more serious illness. It was important we eliminated those threats.
Now, let's continue and see how we can take care of your headache.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
If you think you are looking at tension headaches, let's continue and see how you can take of this with over-the-counter medications or measures.
Tension headaches tend to start from the back of the head and spread towards the front.
The pain is usually like a band squeezing the head and it tends to be on both sides of the head or all over.
It may be worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and even in the shoulders.
This is because they occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract in response to something like stress, dental problems, computer work, eye strain, alcohol, caffeine use, head injury, anxiety or cold and flu.
Stick to what usually worked for you in the past. If they don't work for you anymore, then let's continue.
Anyway, did it work?
Choose from the list below if any.
If not, you can see what a pharmacist recommend for this headache. Would you like to do this or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?
If not, you can see what a pharmacist recommend for this headache. Would you like to do this or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?
Would you like to do this or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?
Would you like to do this or visit the nearest urgent care clinic?
Note that some illness like a flu, cold or strep throat usually start with a headache.
Let's see what a pharmacist recommend to help with this headache that is available over the counter at least for now.
Would you like to do that or think you should go to the nearest urgent care clinic?
We will also assume you are taking prescription migraine medications. You might have run out, forgotten it somewhere or you want to see if there is anything over-the-counter that will help with the migraine.
Let's do the following for now:
Warning:
If you feel there is a change in the pattern of the previous migraine headaches you have had, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room. This may indicate a new, potentially serious situation.
Continue to see what a pharmacist recommend you use to help with this migraine headache that is available over the counter.
We will take a look at the symptoms of migraine headache and move forward from there.
Usually, you would feel the headache pain in the back of the head, behind the eye or in the back of the neck.
Just a few more questions
Symptoms of migraine headache include:
Symptoms include:
Symptoms of migraine include:
Symptoms usually include:
The numbness typically start in one hand and spread to the arm and face.
It would be good to know how it all started in the first place.
Let's see if we can narrow it down.
We will assume we are looking at migraine headaches. If you are still not too sure, let's explore some more.
It would be good to know how it all started in the first place.
Let's see if we can narrow it down.
Which of these may have triggered yours?
Let's Continue.
They can reflect as changes to your sensation, balance, muscle coordination, speech, or vision.
Now, would you like to tell the pharmacist how bad it is?
It usually strike without any warning and happen in clusters on one side of the head.
This may happen many times a day for months and then you might not get another one for months or even years.
Though cluster headaches are very painful, it won't cause long-term harm to you.
Let's take a look.
Let's start by making sure you are looking at a cluster headache and make the right decision on what to do.
Cluster headache usually involve one side of the head.
Note however the headache may occur while you are awake.
Would you like to see the nearest clinic to you or Continue?
It usually peaks within 5 to 10 minutes, and subsides spontaneously within 30 min to 1 hour. The strongest pain may last 30 minutes to 2 hours.
If you think you are looking at a cluster headache, you will have to see a doctor. (See 'FYI' for what the treatment involves.)
If you answered "No" to the questions we've asked regarding cluster headaches, then you may not be looking at one.
If you think otherwise or are not sure, please consult your healthcare provider.
Let's Continue
Treatment involves:
From the medications listed above, you can see that you must see a doctor to take care of cluster headaches. Don't even try self care with it.
Pain killers and even narcotics don't usually help with this kind of headache.
There is even no need to send you to a pharmacist, because nothing over-the-counter is going to cut this. Either, go to the emergency room or the nearest urgent care clinic.
A few suggestions are listed below.
Discuss the treatment for cluster headache again
No need to send to pharmacist
Discuss the treatment for cluster headache again
No need to send to pharmacist
The pain is due to swelling in the sinus cavities that are behind the eyes, nose and cheeks.
Usually, sinus headache is secondary to inflammation of the sinuses.
Let's see if you are looking at a sinus headache in the first place.
The sinuses are in the facial area and problems with them will lead to pain in the face.
Sinus symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
Let's see if this is what you are looking at.
The pain tend to get worse when you first wake up in the morning or when you bend forward.
If you are still thinking a sinus related headache after those questions, let's see if you need to seek urgent care.
Here is why:
Here is why:
Here is why:
Let's continue and see how bad this sinus headache is.
Use the slider below to give an idea of how you are feeling.
Not too bad.
Discuss a little bit and continue
Getting bad?
Talk about possibility of sinus infection
Very bad?
You may be looking at a sinus infection here.
Expand some more and send to a pharmacist
Discuss a little bit of what to expect from the recommendation
Sinusitis or sinus infection is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to viral, bacterial, fungal infections or allergic reactions.
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection followed by a bacterial infection. This is because the viral infection impairs the ability of the sinuses to clear bacteria from that area. Bacteria will colonize the sinuses leading to infection.
You will need to see a healthcare provider for possible antibiotics if the inflammation is caused by a bacteria infection.
See what a pharmacist recommend you do until you can see a doctor.
See what a pharmacist recommend you take over-the-counter to help with this sinus headache.
Let's see if we can narrow it down before we get a pharmacist's recommendation.
Discuss hangover
Well, for whatever headache you may have, see what a pharmacist recommend.