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When You Should Go To Urgent Care For A Headache

Usually when you have a headache, you can take a dose of pain reliever, drink some water, maybe sit down for a few minutes — and the headache fades away. There's not generally a need for professional medical care. However, there are times when a headache could be something more serious, and then it is wise to head to urgent care for treatment. When should you go to the urgent care center for a headache? Take a look.

Your headache came on suddenly after coughing or exertion.

Did you cough, do some really hard physical labor, or bend over then stand up right before your headache came on? The headache could be caused by a burst blood vessel, which could lead to serious problems if not treated. It could also be a coincidence, so don't worry yourself too much — but make sure you head to urgent care so they can examine you. They may order an MRI or just evaluate your vital signs and the way your pupils are dilated.

Your headache is accompanied by confusion.

Are you struggling to speak clearly, think clearly, or remember basic facts? Your headache could either be a sign of a minor stroke or seizure, or it could be a migraine. It's really hard to tell the difference between these problems without testing, so you should head to urgent care. If necessary, they will refer you to the emergency room or a stoke center, but if you do have a migraine, they can likely administer medications to help you right then and there.

Your headache is accompanied by a fever.

A headache accompanied by a fever can be a sign of an infection. You could have meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain. It could also be something more minor, like a flu that has lead to dehydration, which has led to a headache. If you do have a serious condition like meningitis, then the sooner you get treatment, the better. 

Your headache has lasted more than a day.

If your headache lingers for more than a day, it is important to find out why. Urgent care is a good first stop. They can do some basic tests and rule out simple explanations like dehydration and the flu. If necessary, they can refer you to specialist doctors for more in-depth diagnosis and treatment.

Not all headaches require medical care, but if you do require medical care for your headache, urgent care centers are an efficient place to get that care.