Red Flag Symptoms indicating headache may require further evaluation [3]

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Contact your primary care provider if your headache meets any of the following criteria

• Persistent daily headache

• Older than age 50 with new headache

• A headache that never goes away

• Weakened immune system and new headache attacks

• Have fever, chills, sweating at night and new headache

• Headache attacks that happen when you exert yourself, even if you cough or sneeze

• Headache attacks that wake you up at night

• Headache attacks that happen going from laying down to standing up

• A new headache after head injury

• A headache that happens with fever, rash, weight-loss, neck stiffness, confusion, speaking problems, vision problems, weakness or dizziness.

• A sudden headache that quickly becomes severe

• A headache that is different from your usual headache attacks or does not resolve with your usual treatments

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Headache and migraine may stem from many symptoms and combinations of contributing factors that should be evaluated in order to reduce frequency and intensity.

Head and Face

• Facial sensitivity, pain
• Scalp sensitivity, pain
• Neck stiffness, aching or pain
• Brain Fog

Body

• Hormonal Changes
• Increased Thirst
• Increased Urination
• Frequent Yawning
• Fatigue

Vision

• Blind spots with geometric designs
• Shimmering stars or spots
• Zigzag lines that slowly float
• Flashes of light
• Temporary vision loss

Sensory and Environmental Sensitivities

• Light Sensitivity & Glare
• Weather Changes
• Sinus Issues & Allergies
• Disruptions/Patterns
• Loud Sounds
• Certain Smells
• Difficulty Reading or Speaking

Sleep, Mood and Activity

• Stress & Tension – (we all have this)
• Life Factors-Transitions
• Family, Social, Work
• Anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Irregular Sleeping Patterns
• Exercise, Physical Activity, Moving
• Relaxation

Meal and Hydration

• Irregular Eating Patterns
• Dehydration/Hydration
• Meal choices
• Food Sensitivities
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Management of Treatments

• OTC
• Acute to stop attacks
• Preventive to reduce frequency