Headaches occur in several different forms. Some headaches are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, while others are not. Any headache can still be treated in an emergency room, but some headaches will require further investigation to rule out a more serious problem. We’ll go through four headache situations that demand immediate attention but bear in mind that there are many more.
Encephalitis and Meningitis
Meningitis and encephalitis are two types of infectious headaches that necessitate immediate medical attention. Rash, stiff neck and fever are common symptoms of these types of headaches. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. These types of headaches can cause more severe symptoms such as altered mental status, lethargy, and even coma. A CT scan and lumbar puncture are required to diagnose these types of headaches. Bacterial meningitis will necessitate IV antibiotic therapy as well as supportive care.
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an urgent situation headache that frequently manifests as the worst headache you’ve ever had, with a rapid onset. These are also known as thunderclap headaches because you may not have a headache one minute and then have a severe headache the next. This type of headache may also be accompanied by fainting. It is caused by bleeding in the brain and can result in coma and death. It necessitates brain imaging studies as well as emergency care. When you have the worst headache of your life, your headaches increase in frequency or severity, are associated with neurological deficits, you have associated fever and or rash, or trauma has occurred, we advise patients to get emergent brain imaging.
Headaches Caused by Trauma
All headaches caused by trauma should be evaluated by an emergency physician. Head trauma, which is particularly ominous for increased risk of intracranial bleed, is any trauma that results in loss of consciousness. However, keep in mind that any trauma that causes a headache, especially if it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, necessitates immediate evaluation.
Temporal Arteritis
Temporal Arteritis is a type of headache caused by an inflammatory process in the temporal region of the head. This can result in vision complications, including permanent loss. Giant-cell arthritis is another name for this disease, which is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that primarily affects the large and medium arteries of the head. The most serious complication is an occlusion or blockage of the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery. It can cause a medical emergency, resulting in irreversible blood supply loss and blindness if not treated immediately. Steroids are used to treat temporal arthritis, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent blockages.
For more details mail us at www.painxtotal@gmail.com or WhatsApp Dr. Anurag Aggarwal @9958830005 or visit our clinic Aggarwals Gynae & Spine Pain Clinic, Indirapuram, website: www.painx.in
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