Headaches can vary in severity. Whether you’re suffering from tension headaches, cluster headaches, or migraines, rest assured that the doctors do everything in their power to diagnose the underlying cause of your headache and relieve the pain. If a headache is causing you extreme discomfort, visit the Village Emergency Centers for emergency care.
When To Go To The Emergency Room For a Headache
Whether you are coming in for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, knowing when to go to the emergency room for a headache can save you time and stress. Headaches are an incredibly common symptom for a host of ailments, so it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing in addition to your headache. Knowing when to go to the emergency room for a headache can save your life.
While some headaches may be a symptom of life-threatening conditions, some headaches can be caused simply by not drinking enough water, not eating enough, or not getting enough sleep. However, if your headache symptoms come to you as a surprise as sudden onset, or if you experience what feels like the worst headache you have ever had, these are urgent headache symptoms that should be dealt with in the emergency room. Experiencing what feels like the worst headache of your life is not a normal occurrence and should prompt you to either find a doctor or come into the emergency room.
Stress can also play a factor in causing headaches. Stress and high blood pressure go hand-in-hand, and this may be the cause for your frequent headaches if you notice a rise in your blood pressure at the same time that your headaches occur. Oftentimes, headaches are treated by targeting a different area of the body not related to the head. If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, they could be caused by something that is going on in another part of your body. This is why it’s important to pay attention to both headache symptoms and accompanying symptoms as well.
Serious symptoms including slurred speech and dizziness should not be ignored and is a clear sign to an emergency department’s ER doctors that you need urgent care. There are certain types of headaches that can point to long term damage if not treated in time, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to having a stroke. In times of crisis, the most important thing that can be done is to ensure you receive the best health care possible and a CT scan to diagnose your issues.
FAQ
The most common types of headaches include:
Tension headaches
Tension headaches result from tension in the muscles around the shoulder, neck, and head. They’re the most common and may cause headache pain to come and go.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches can feel like an intense burning or piercing pain behind your eye. The throbbing pain is consistent and often debilitating. Since they occur in groups, they’re called cluster headaches.
Migraines
Migraines produce severe throbbing, usually on one side of your head, that can last for hours or even days. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vision disturbances, and digestive troubles.
If your headache is the result of a trauma, it’s always best to seek prompt medical attention at Clear Creek Emergency Room.
There are over 150 different types of headaches, and the number of causes are as numerous. The most common headaches are triggered by factors that may include:
Stress
Stress is a common trigger that prompts your body to release certain chemicals that cause changes in your blood vessels, often leading to a headache.
Foods
Certain foods and beverages, like alcohol, can trigger headaches. In people who are sensitive to them, specific food additives, such as nitrates or monosodium glutamate (MSG) may bring on a headache.
Injury
If you’ve been involved in a collision or fall where your head took the brunt of the impact, a headache could be the sign of a concussion, and you should be evaluated right away.
Illness
Often, headaches are a symptom of another health condition, the most common being sinus headaches. These headaches are a result of a sinus infection, which creates a dull throbbing behind your cheeks and eyes. Allergies may also contribute to sinus headaches.
A few other examples of diseases or conditions that may cause a headache include:
- Glaucoma
- Brain tumor
- Dehydration
- Brain aneurysm
- Meningitis
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- High blood pressure, or hypertension
- Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain
While most headaches aren’t serious and go away on their own, some may signal a more serious condition that requires emergency medical care.
Thanks to a well-equipped facility, the doctors at Village Emergency Centers review your symptoms, perform an examination, and order testing based on your symptoms. These tests may include:
- An MRI
- A CT scan
- Cognitive tests
- X-rays
Why Choose Village Emergency Centers?
Little To No Wait Time
24/7 Emergency Care
Convenient Locations
Board-Certified Doctors
Pediatric Emergency Department
CT Scan, Ultrasound, & X-rays
All private Insurances Accepted
WHAT OUR patients
ARE SAYING
Jay Karahan 11/2020
“Visited this wonderful, friendly and professional neighborhood urgent care facility for urgent care there recently and was impressed by their attention to detail, professionalism and kind care. Dr. Luna-Gonzales was calming and handle...
Natasha Martinez 11/2020
“Actual fast, friendly, affordable and professional service! The staff is great!”...
Max Rodriguez 10/2020
“I'm a hypochondriac, so feeling certain personal ways at 2:30 am one night, I (soberly) drove up the nearby River Oaks Emergency and it was extremely quick, professional and pleasant. I thank you all for your help and support.”...
Stacey Sperier 10/2020
“Very professional. Put me at ease. Fast.”...
Cathryn Dodd 10/2020
“Being a self pay patient, I called first to get quoted on prices. I was informed that they do not do that over the phone, but to come in and they could quote me. From the front desk, to the interaction with the nurse, then ending with th...
Jason Carlton 09/2020
“Dr. Cruz did an amazing job with my daughter, as well as the nurse. The explained things really well took care of us very fast and got us on our way. Having been through a lot of traumatic experiences in hospitals and emergency rooms, th...
Carlos Gonzales 09/2020
“Was having palpitations in my chest. The physician and nursing staff tended to me immediately. Checked my vital signs, EKG and labs without delay and I was reassured that everything was fine. I was in and out in 30 min. Excellent se...
Serena Lopez 08/2020
“Excellent service and care !! Allowed me to relax and know I was in the best hands . Great experience.”...
Hannah Rae 08/2020
“I came to this location for a COVID-19 test. The test was easy & convenient, the staff was very friendly. The whole thing probably took about 45 minutes, and I never had to leave my car. $100. I would recommend this testing facility to a...
A S 07/2020
“Hello I have been treated at this facility for years. Dr. Luna is one of the best docs in town. Very personal, listens, and gets the job done right. My most recent visit was for blood testing and a nasal swab for a virus. They use FDA ...
Bonita Wynkoop 06/2020
“I showed up yesterday doubled over in pain. They took me back, got vitals, started IV right away for fluids and IV pain meds. Dr. Hortencia Luna-Gonzales MD and all her nurses, techs and staff were very kind, gentle and attentive to my n...
Muhammad Mashwani 02/2020
“Brought my mom to this ER because she had a severe cough and high blood pressure. I came to their Katy ER a couple months before, and loved the staff they had there. The River Oaks staff were just as welcoming. My mother told me she appr...
