New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Headaches may seem like a common issue, but they can lead to disability or even death if not treated promptly, according to neurologist Sudhir Kumar. He highlighted serious conditions like subarachnoid haemorrhage, which can be life-threatening if not recognized early.
Dr. Sudhir, based in Hyderabad’s Apollo Hospital, mentioned that migraine and tension-type headaches are typically not severe and are treatable. However, some underlying causes of headaches can be serious and require immediate attention to prevent complications or fatalities.
The doctor emphasized that certain symptoms like severe headaches that wake a person up from sleep, worsen in the morning, or are accompanied by vomiting, double vision, weakness in limbs, or fever could indicate more dangerous conditions like brain tumors, stroke, meningitis, or encephalitis.
He also highlighted red flags such as new-onset headaches in individuals above 50, headaches lasting over 72 hours, or headaches that do not respond to pain relief medications. Any recent changes in headache frequency, severity, or characteristics should also be investigated further to determine the root cause.
“If you notice any of these red flags associated with headaches, it is better to consult a neurologist and undergo a brain scan or other investigations to start appropriate treatment early, which could be life-saving in such conditions,” Sudhir recommended. So, it is essential to recognize and address potential serious headaches promptly to prevent potential complications or even death.
