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ER or urgent care?

Headache or migraine: when to go to the ER

Most headaches aren’t a sign of anything serious, and not every headache needs a doctor 1. The most common type is a tension headache 1. But a few headaches are emergencies, especially one that comes on suddenly and severely 2.

Find urgent care near you Or find the nearest ER. Updated November 15, 2026; every fact links to its source below.
Photo of a person at a desk pressing their temples with a headache

Go to the ER or call 911 if

  • A sudden, severe, “thunderclap” headache, or one that feels explosive 2 3
  • The worst headache of your life, even if you often get headaches 3
  • Headache with face drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble seeing, or loss of balance: possible stroke, call 911 4
  • Headache with fever and a stiff neck 1
  • Headache after a blow to the head 1, especially if it’s getting worse, with repeated vomiting, confusion or seizures 5
  • Headache with loss of consciousness 1
  • During or soon after pregnancy: a headache that won’t go away or gets worse, or comes with blurred vision; get medical care right away 6

For stroke signs, note the time they started and call 911 right away; don’t drive yourself 4.

If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.

When urgent care can help

Urgent care clinics treat common mild illnesses, including migraines 7. If you have a headache without any of the signs above, a clinic, your doctor, or an online provider can help.

Find urgent care near you, with hours and phone numbers. Not sure what it costs? See ER vs urgent care cost.

See a provider soon if

  • Headaches wake you from sleep, or are worse in the morning 3
  • A headache lasts more than a few days 3
  • Your headaches have changed pattern, or you’ve started getting them after age 50 3 8

Migraines

A provider can usually diagnose migraine from your symptoms and history, and if you get them often, may suggest medicine to prevent attacks 9. Managing headaches works best as a partnership with a provider 8.

Familiar migraine? See a provider online

If it’s your usual migraine pattern and none of the danger signs above apply, an online visit is one way to talk about treatment or prevention with a provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue. More on Migraine online.

See a provider online

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Common questions

Headache or migraine: when to go to the ER, answered.

General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

When is a headache an emergency?
Go to the ER or call 911 for a sudden, severe headache 2, the worst headache of your life 3, or a headache with stroke signs, fever and stiff neck, a head injury, or loss of consciousness 4 1.
Should I go to the ER for a migraine?
Not usually for a familiar migraine. Go if it’s sudden and severe, the worst ever, or comes with trouble speaking, seeing or moving 9.
Can urgent care treat a migraine?
Yes, urgent care clinics treat migraines 7. A provider can also help prevent frequent attacks 9.
See a provider online now Only if it’s not an emergency. ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

Related conditions

Migraine

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Sources

  1. MedlinePlus: Headache (updated Nov. 19, 2025)
  2. MedlinePlus: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (reviewed Feb. 11, 2025)
  3. MedlinePlus: Headaches, danger signs (reviewed Oct. 27, 2025)
  4. CDC: Signs and symptoms of stroke (May 19, 2026)
  5. American College of Emergency Physicians: Head injury, know when to go to the ER
  6. CDC Hear Her: Urgent maternal warning signs (May 15, 2024)
  7. MedlinePlus: Choosing the right place to get health care (reviewed July 15, 2026)
  8. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Headache
  9. MedlinePlus: Migraine (reviewed Feb. 11, 2025)

Last updated November 15, 2026. General information from the sources above, not medical advice or a diagnosis, and not a substitute for being seen. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.