In fact, headache is one of the most frequent reasons that adults seek treatment from a family physician. It is estimated that 20 million Americans see a physician each year for help in treating chronic headaches. This figure represents only about half the number of people who experience headaches, since many people never seek medical care for headache management. Not every headache requires medical intervention.
Some headaches result from skipped meals or muscle tension and can be taken care of at home.
Other headaches are a sign that something serious is happening and they call for quick medical evaluation. Headache associated with loss of consciousness, confusion, changes in your vision, or other associated body weakness. Recurrent headaches that affect one particular area such as the eye, ear, temple, or back of the head. Headaches that recur with increasing frequency and duration. Headaches associated with a stiff neck and fever.