Headache Symptoms that Suggest A Serious Underlying Disorder
| Sudden-onset headache |
| First severe headache |
| “Worst” headache ever |
| Vomiting that precedes headache |
| Subacute worsening over days or weeks |
| Pain induced by bending, lifting, cough |
| Pain that disturbs sleep or presents immediately upon awakening |
| Known systemic illness |
| Onset after age 55 years |
| Fever or unexplained systemic signs |
| Abnormal neurologic examination |
| Pain associated with local tenderness, e.g., region of temporal artery |