What’s the big deal about headaches? Take some tablets, get over it, get some sleep, drink more water, and on and on.
But headaches are a big deal. In fact, over three-quarters of the world’s adult population suffer from headaches at some point in time. A new study from the National Headaches Foundation found that people who experienced severe headaches regularly were four times more likely to commit suicide than those who did not suffer from a headache disorder.
However, there are situations where it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, and need urgent care for headache. Here is a guide to help you determine when to go to urgent care for a headache.
When to Go to Urgent Care for A Headache?
Headaches come in many types. When experiencing one, you might find yourself asking, “should I go to urgent care for headache or not?” Here we come to help you.
If any of the below items apply to your current situation, you should take urgent care for headache:
- The headache is accompanied by high fever, confusion, stiff neck, prolonged vomiting, slurred speech, numbness, or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
- You experience vomiting, extremely blurred vision, or ringing in the ears (unless you have a migraine disorder diagnosis)
- Head pain prevents eating or drinking, making one susceptible to dehydration or malnutrition.
- You have never had a headache before
- You experience major side effects of medication, such as severe drowsiness, sedation, or nausea.
- You experience confusion, slurred speech, seizures, weakness, numbness, or paralysis with your headache.
- A painful red eye accompanies your headache.
- You have experienced a blow or trauma to the head in the past 48 hours.
- The nature, frequency, or severity of the headache changes, or the pain feels different from the pain associated with previous headaches.
- You are woken up in the middle of the night or from a nap by the pain of a headache.
- The pain from your headache is severe enough to significantly interfere with your normal daily activities.
What Will Urgent Care Do for Headaches?
So, what exactly can urgent care do for headaches? Let’s explore how these medical facilities can help alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Assessment and Diagnosis
When you visit an urgent care for headache, the first step is usually a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any potential triggers for your headaches.
Pain Management
Urgent care providers are equipped to provide various forms of pain relief for headaches. Depending on the severity and type of headache you’re experiencing, they may prescribe medications.
Diagnostic Testing
In some cases, urgent care centers may perform diagnostic tests to evaluate your headache further. This could include blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRI scans), or other specialized tests.
Fluids and Rest
Dehydration and fatigue are common triggers for headaches. Urgent care providers may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids and rest to help rehydrate the body and alleviate symptoms.
Referral to Specialists
Urgent care providers may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and management if your headache is persistent, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms.
Education and Prevention
Finally, urgent care providers can offer valuable education and guidance on headache management and prevention. They may discuss lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and other strategies.
Easy Access to Urgent Care for Headache at Integrum Urgent Care
It is important not to panic. Even with one or more of the above symptoms, it may not be serious, but it definitely warrants being examined.
Be sure to have someone else drive you if you are unable to drive yourself safely. Also, be certain to give a thorough explanation of your headache. This includes when it appeared, how severe the pain is, and what other symptoms coincide with a headache.
We are here for you! Visit Integrum Urgent Care.