A headache is a pain in your head or face thatβs often described as a pressure thatβs throbbing, constant, sharp or dull. Headaches can differ greatly in regard to pain type, severity, location and frequency.
Headaches are a very common condition that most people will experience many times during their lives. Theyβre the most common form of pain and are a major reason cited for days missed at work or school, as well as visits to healthcare providers.
While most headaches arenβt dangerous, certain types can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Types of secondary headaches that can be a sign of a serious or potentially life-threatening condition include:
Spinal headaches: Spinal headaches are intense headaches that occur when spinal fluid leaks out of the membrane covering your spinal cord, usually after a spinal tap. Most spinal headaches can be treated at home, but prolonged, untreated spinal headaches can cause life-threatening complications, including subdural hematoma and seizures.
Thunderclap headaches: A thunderclap headache is an extremely painful headache that comes on suddenly, like a clap of thunder. This type of headache reaches its most intense pain within one minute and lasts at least five minutes. While thunderclap headaches can sometimes be harmless, itβs important to seek immediate medical attention. They can be a sign of: