Persistent Headache

Persistent headache may be caused by tension-type headache, migraine, overuse of painkillers or, less frequently, other causes. The frequency and severity of the pain and any accompanying symptoms are important for the evaluation.

• Pain that becomes more frequent or more severe
• Pain that does not respond to painkillers
• Pain on waking in the morning or that wakes you from sleep at night
• Weakness, speech or vision problems accompanying the pain
• Sudden onset described as “the worst pain of my life”

If your headache has become regular, your need for medication has increased or the warning signs above are present, a neurological evaluation is recommended. Sudden, very severe pain requires emergency care.

After the evaluation, the type of pain is determined and an individual follow-up plan is created. When needed, the diagnostic processes described on the relevant condition pages come into play.