Headaches, a quite common condition, affect about 45 million people every year and can be caused due to a variety of reasons, such as stress and dehydration. There are different types of headaches, from mild to severe. In some cases, if the pain persists for a long period, it could be an indicator of an underlying health issue. You should consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms along with a headache:

Changes in speech or vision
In addition to a headache, if you also have issues with your vision, weakness on one side of your body, or issues walking or speaking, it could be an indicator of a stroke. This condition often occurs when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or reduced. Sometimes, a migraine that causes tingling sensations in the body is mistaken for a stroke. However, the conditions are quite different. In any case, visiting the doctor is the best way to diagnose it.

Behavior changes
Headaches that increase in severity over time could be an indicator of a brain tumor. Changes in behavior accompanied by shouldn’t be ignored. Although not all tumors are cancerous, they can cause various problems, depending on where they occur in the brain and the blood vessels they affect. Issues with reasoning, memory, reading and writing, and concentration are some of the issues that could be experienced due to a tumor pressing down on certain parts of the brain.

Sudden and severe headaches
Headaches that occur suddenly and are severe could be a result of a brain aneurysm. This occurs when the blood vessels in the brain become weak and start to expand like a balloon. When these vessels burst, it causes blood to flow into that area of the brain, resulting in a sudden headache. You could also experience vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness. In this case, it is best to seek help immediately.

Fever and stiff neck
A headache is a common symptom of the flu; however, if you have a high fever and a stiff neck, it could be due to a condition known as meningitis. This is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the spinal cord and the membranes that protect the brain. The inflammation of these membranes causes headaches. Nausea and vomiting are also signs of this condition.

Frequent headaches
If you experience headaches frequently, and it affects your daily life, then you should consult a doctor. It could be a migraine that might need treatment, or it could be a symptom of some other underlying health condition. Also, it is recommended to seek medical help if you get frequent headaches and are pregnant, are over the age of 50 years, have had a recent fall or concussion, or have other health conditions such as cancer or HIV.

Treatment options for a headache
Some of the options prescribed for severe headaches include:

Nurtec
This is mainly used as a treatment option for migraine. It relieves headaches and other symptoms associated with migraines, such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and vomiting. This oral medication blocks the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptors that are responsible for the sensation of pain. Some of the side effects of this treatment could include breathing problems and allergic reactions. You should also not take Nurtec if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have liver and kidney issues.

Ubrelvy
This has been approved by the FDA to treat migraines that occur with or without auras (sensory disturbances). It provides fast relief from severe headaches and works in the same way as Nurtec. It attaches itself to the CGRP receptors in the brain, blocking pain. It is available in the form of oral tablets, but it is vital to seek the advice of your healthcare expert on the dosage. Possible side effects include nausea and drowsiness.

Excedrin
This treatment option contains a combination of caffeine and acetaminophen, known as a pain reliever. It is also quite effective in reducing fever and inflammation in the body. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that helps the muscles relax, thus improving blood flow. Caffeine can be used to treat tension headaches, migraines, and other aches in the body, including pain due to arthritis. The common side effects are an upset stomach and heartburn. It can also affect the mood, making you feel sad.

Qulipta
This is an oral prescription that is from the same category as Nurtec and Ubrelvy. It also works by providing relief from severe headaches and migraine pain. It can also be used to prevent episodic migraines that occur every month and can last for up to 14 days. It is available as an oral tablet of varying strengths, and your doctor will recommend the dosage and strength that you would need to take. Nausea, drowsiness, and fatigue are possible side effects of this treatment option.

Although painful and uncomfortable, most headaches often subside without any assistance. However, if you do have frequent and persistent headaches that don’t subside even with treatment, you should speak to your doctor; it could be a symptom of some other underlying condition. It is also important to note that none of the above-mentioned prescriptions should be taken without the doctor’s advice.