Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Headache

Headaches are common and usually harmless, for example from tension, migraine, too little sleep or a viral infection. However, a headache can sometimes indicate a serious cause. A headache that suddenly reaches maximum intensity, or occurs with paralysis, speech problems, fever with a stiff neck, pregnancy-related warning signs or a red painful eye needs immediate medical assessment. Look at the pattern and accompanying symptoms as well as how severe the pain is.

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  • Most headaches are caused by harmless problems such as tension, migraine, lack of sleep or an ordinary infection.
  • Pain intensity is not the only thing that matters. A new, sudden or very different headache can be particularly important.
  • A headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes is called a thunderclap headache and is always an emergency.
  • Fever with a stiff neck, facial drooping, weakness, confusion, concerning symptoms during pregnancy or a red painful eye are warning signs.
  • Call your GP during the day, HAP 9252 outside office hours for urgent symptoms without an immediate threat to life, and Ambulance 912 for an acute emergency.

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Further reading

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Tension-type headacheTension-type headache usually causes pressing or tightening pain on both sides of the head, without serious illness. A new or unusual pattern and neurological warning signs do need assessment.
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GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The most common form develops slowly and causes no symptoms for a long time; lost areas of vision do not return. Early detection and treatment can often slow further damage. Sudden severe eye pain with a red eye, blurred vision, coloured rings around lights, headache or nausea may be acute angle-closure glaucoma and needs immediate specialist eye assessment.
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Sticky eyes in babiesSticky or watery eyes in a baby are often caused by a tear duct that is still narrow or blocked, especially if the white of the eye is not red. Redness, swollen eyelids, a lot of pus, fever or signs of illness may indicate an infection. A red eye or pus from the eye in a newborn always needs prompt medical assessment.