Is a headache ever an emergency?

A very sudden and intense headache could be the sign of a deeper brain injury, an infection, or even a stroke. Call 999 if your headache:

• comes on suddenly and is very severe – it may feel like a blinding pain

• happens after a severe head injury

• is severe and also brings symptoms such as slurred speech or memory loss, vision problems, drowsiness or confusion, sight problems, a very high temperature, stiff neck, rash, or feeling hot and shivery