Everyone, irrespective of age, has experienced a throbbing sensation or rapid pounding in their head that would be described as a headache. It is very uncomfortable because your headspace is not aligned with your current activity due to the pain.

A headache generally goes away with over-the-counter pain medication, superfoods, and rest. However, a headache can be an underlying symptom of a more severe condition. If the pain does not subside within a day, consulting a Phoenix, AZ pain specialist can help diagnose and treat the headache appropriately.

The severity of the headache can be just an occasional occurrence, or it can be frequent pain episodes. There are various types of headaches, and common ones include tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraines, and more.

Here are a few key signs that should be concerning:

Frequent Headaches:

The frequent occurrence of a headache is a major red flag. If the headache frequency is two or more per week, book an appointment with a neurological specialist to help understand the reason for the headaches. Finding all the possible triggers for the headache will help make the necessary changes to avoid such triggers.

Pain Intensity:

Experiencing a sudden headache wherein the intensity of pain is unbearable could usually indicate a symptom of an underlying disease. If along with the headache, you experience blurred vision, seizures, loss of consciousness, etc., there may be internal bleeding. This should be checked as soon as possible.

Throbbing Pain:

Headaches could often stem from various triggers. If the throbbing sensation in the head is caused by sensitivity to light or if you feel a sharp pain near the eye, it may indicate the existence of a migraine.

Inability to Sleep: 

If the pain is nocturnal, it could be due to a tumor or mass. Get an MRI or CT scan, just to be sure.

Apart from the reasons mentioned earlier, if you experience any fever, loss in memory, stiff 

neck, slurred speech, or confusion, do get it checked without delay.

The methods of diagnosis could be a CT scan, MRI, EEG, blood tests, spinal fluid tests, or ear exams.

Overall, depending on the intensity and frequency of the headaches, it is always better to consult a medical professional who can examine your headache and provide the right treatment. Moreover, consult a doctor before taking any medicine or self-diagnosing.