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When to seek medical advice

By Mayo Clinic staff

Occasional headaches are common. But it's important to take headaches seriously. Consult your doctor if:

  • You usually have three or more headaches a week
  • You take a pain reliever for your headaches every day or almost every day
  • You need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain remedies to relieve your headaches
  • Your headache pattern changes
  • Your headaches are getting worse

Seek prompt medical care if your headache:

  • Is sudden and severe
  • Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
  • Follows a head injury
  • Gets worse despite rest and pain medication

DS00646

Feb. 21, 2008

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