Is my headache serious? 7 symptoms to look out for

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Headache is the most prevalent symptom in the general population with 97% of people having suffered from headaches at some stage,” says consultant neurologist Dr Fayyaz Ahmed, a trustee of the International Headache Society. Tension headache “Sometimes people have a headache as if their head is being squeezed or they have pressure inside the head,” explains Ahmed, who is also a professor of neurology at Hull York Medical School. “This is often termed as tension headache and doesn’t have any nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light, sound or smell.” Most primary headaches, especially those caused by tension, can be treated with over-the-counter medication including ibuprofen and paracetamol, says Turner, who points out that alternative therapies, including acupuncture and massage therapy, may also help tension headaches. There are now many dedicated treatments which can transform people’s lives.” 7 red flag headache symptoms that should be checked Ahmed says: “There are red flag symptoms which mean the chance of a serious underlying cause is high and you must consult the doctor and get referred.” The most common red flags that suggest a headache needs to be checked are… 1.