PATIENT EDUCATION The vast majority of headaches are not life-threatening.
However, headache can be a symptom of serious conditions affecting the brain, such as infection, inflammation, or bleeding within or around the brain;
If you have persistent or frequent headaches, headaches that interfere with normal activities, or your headaches become more painful, you should see a healthcare provider during normal office hours;
Headaches can be quite debilitating, although most headaches are not caused by life-threatening disorders. Most headaches fall into one of the following categories: • Tension-type headache
• Migraine headache
• Cluster headache TREATMENT There are lots of medicines that can relieve a headache.
The right medicine for you depends on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are. Some medicines treat headaches, and others are taken every day to try to prevent headaches.
Some medicines to treat common headaches (such as tension-type or migraine headaches) are available without a prescription. These include:

• Acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve)

There are prescription medicines that can help with pain, too.
If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking these too often can actually cause more headaches later.

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✅ You likely do not have a dangerous type of headache. You may take OTC pain relief like Tylenol or Advil.