Sudden and extreme
A headache that reaches severe intensity very quickly needs emergency assessment.
Headache decision guide
Migraine red flags to check first
A familiar headache pattern and a sudden dangerous headache are not the same decision. Know when medical help should come first.
Begin with the pattern
Write down what is new or different
Record when the headache started, whether it peaked suddenly, where it is felt, how long it lasts and which symptoms occur with it. Include nausea, light or sound sensitivity, visual changes, fever, weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, recent injury and medicines taken.
A symptom diary can support a medical conversation, but it cannot prove that a headache is migraine.
Emergency warning signs
Some headaches need immediate help
Seek urgent or emergency care for a sudden extremely painful headache, seizure, new weakness or numbness, confusion, speech or balance problems, loss of vision, a significant recent head injury or high fever with a stiff neck.
Neurological change
New weakness, numbness, confusion, speech, balance, seizure or vision problems are red flags.
Infection or injury context
High fever with neck stiffness or a severe headache after head injury needs urgent help.
If the pattern is established
Keep your medical plan in place
If a clinician has diagnosed migraine, follow the plan they provided and seek reassessment when the pattern changes. Do not stop or replace prescribed treatment because a complementary approach is being considered.
Cupping cannot provide a diagnosis, and a temporary change in symptoms does not establish prevention or cure.
Independent sources
Use public guidance to choose urgency
NHS headache guidance lists emergency and urgent warning signs. NCCIH describes the limitations of cupping evidence and known risks.
Appointment enquiry
Prepare a non-urgent enquiry
If the headache pattern has been medically assessed and no urgent sign is present, share the broad goal and current care before discussing a visit.