Migraine Red Flags: When a Headache Needs Emergency Care

Patient Safety · Headache & Migraine

Migraine Red Flags: When a Headache Needs Emergency Care

A familiar migraine pattern does not rule out another cause of headache. New or severe symptoms deserve attention; the warning signs below help identify when to seek emergency care.

Typical migraine features

• Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
• Nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound
• A pattern similar to headaches you’ve had before
• Gradual onset over minutes to hours

Call 911 or go to the emergency room for

• “The worst headache of my life,” reaching full intensity within seconds (“thunderclap” headache)
• Headache with a new fever, stiff neck, and confusion
• Severe or worsening headache after a head injury, especially with vomiting, confusion, or difficulty staying awake
• New weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision loss along with the headache

Contact a clinician promptly about a new or changing headache

A new headache after age 50, a headache that is progressively worsening, or one that changes with position needs medical assessment. If the headache is sudden or severe, or includes the warning signs above, seek emergency care. This page cannot determine how urgent your own symptoms are.