Headache: which doctor should I see?
Headache is very common and in most cases not dangerous. Sometimes, however, it comes back often, gets in the way of work and sleep, or starts suddenly and severely. Here you will learn what may be behind it, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- A sudden, extremely severe headache — “the worst of your life”.
- A headache with a stiff neck, a high fever or a rash.
- A headache after a blow to the head in the last three months — for example, from a fall.
- A headache with confusion or drowsiness, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech or impaired vision.
- A headache with a seizure (fit), or with difficulty walking or keeping your balance.
- A severe headache with a red eye.
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth and have a severe headache or vision problems.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Tension-type headache — a pressing pain like a tight band, often with stress, tiredness or tension in the neck.
- Migraine — a throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
- Nose and sinus problems — pain in the forehead and around the eyes, worse when bending forward.
- Lack of sleep, missed meals, not drinking enough water, or alcohol.
- Overuse of painkillers — a headache that appears almost every day.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Keep a headache diary: when it starts, how long it lasts, what triggers it and what helps. Bring earlier test results, and a list of the medicines you take, painkillers included.
Frequently asked questions
When is a headache a reason for a visit?
When it is frequent, gets in the way of work or sleep, changes its pattern or does not pass with your usual measures. Book a visit without delay if it comes with vomiting, gets worse when you cough or bend down, wakes a child at night, or you have jaw pain when eating or a tender scalp.
Do I need a head scan?
Not always. The neurologist decides after the examination whether a test is needed.
Can my eyesight cause headaches?
Sometimes. If the headache follows reading or screen work, the doctor may also refer you to an ophthalmologist.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.