Red flags

Headaches that require urgent referral include those where there is:8

·      possible injury to the head, such as a fall

·      severe/intense pain not experienced before

·      a sudden change in speech, memory, or vision

·      drowsiness or confusion

·      high fever, stiff neck or rash

·      redness in an eye

In addition, and especially for children, look out for:9,10

·      pain worsening when moving the angle of the head (eg lying down or sitting up), or when coughing

·      waking up with a headache

·      nausea/vomiting or any change in behaviour or personality

·      sudden onset

·      photophobia

·      muscle weakness in a limb or the face

·      fits.