HIGH-RISK HEADACHES TO REPORT TO THE PHYSICIAN:
• There is onset of a new headache after age 50
• There is onset of a new or\different headache
• The client reports the “worst” headache ever
experienced
• There is a recent history of acute head trauma
• There is onset of a headache that steadily worsens
over time or worsens with exertion, coughing or straining
• The headache is associated with changes in
neurological status, such as drowsiness, confusion, weakness, ataxia and loss of coordination and deep tendon reflexes or Babinski response
• There is a new headache in a person with cancer or
HIV
• The headache is associated with fever and neck
rigidity
• The headache is associated with hypertension
• Pain of headache is in the temple area and pulses in
time with the heartbeat and is over 50 yoa
• The headache wakes you up from a deep sleep
