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HeadachesHeadaches are a very common problem. Although most are not dangerous, at times, headaches could be a sign of a life threatening situation.
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Signs of a dangerous headache include:
1. A headache that starts suddenly, especially
if it's of a severe degree.
2. Headaches that start later in life, especially
after the age of 50.
3. A change in the quality of headaches.
4. Visual changes, including double vision or
loss of vision.
5. Weakness, numbness,
or any other neurological symptoms.
6. Fevers
7. Change in mental status including sleepiness,
hallucinations, or confusion.
8. Weight loss.
If there is ever any doubt about a headache
your physician should be contacted.
Causes of Dangerous Headaches
There are multiple disease processes that could cause headaches that are life threatening. They include:
1. Tumors
2. Bleeding in the brain tissue.
3. Bleeding in the tissue surrounding the
brain including subarachnoid, subdural,
and epidural bleeding.
4. Infections including meningitis and encephalitis.
5. Arterial malformations.
6. Aneurysms.
7. And other diseases.
There are many headaches that, although they
could be very debilitating, they are not dangerous.
The most common types are migraines and tension headaches.
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