RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsHeadache
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange GP review if headaches keep returning, pain relief is not helping, or symptoms affect daily life.
- Get urgent advice today for a headache with vomiting, new eye or vision symptoms, or pain triggered by coughing, bending or exercise.
- Get urgent advice for a new headache with jaw pain when chewing or a tender scalp, particularly over age 50.
- A child whose headache is getting worse, wakes them at night, is present on waking or comes with vomiting needs urgent assessment today.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches its worst within seconds.
- New weakness, numbness, speech problems, loss of sight, confusion or difficulty walking.
- A seizure, loss of consciousness or difficulty waking.
- A severe headache with a stiff neck, discomfort in bright light, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
- A new or worsening headache after a head injury, especially with vomiting or drowsiness.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
