Headaches are common and are often caused by stress, dehydration, or muscle tension.
According to the NHS, as cited by LADBible, rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter painkillers can often help.
However, if the headache gets worse or does not go away, it should be taken seriously.
This is especially true if it develops rapidly or feels different from your usual headaches.
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Watch for these warning signs
A severe headache accompanied by other symptoms may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
The NHS lists symptoms including a high fever, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, a rash, and seizures as warning signs that require urgent medical assessment.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some people may also experience pain that spreads to the back and increasing difficulty moving their neck.
Why seeking help quickly matters
American neurologist Baibing Chen warned in a TikTok video, according to LADBible, that many people assume these symptoms are caused by a common viral illness and therefore wait too long before seeking medical attention.
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This can be dangerous because, in rare cases, a severe headache may be a sign of meningitis.
Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
According to the NHS, meningitis can develop rapidly and become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.
The Meningitis Research Foundation therefore urges people to seek immediate medical attention if a severe headache occurs alongside several of the symptoms mentioned above.
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