The signs and symptoms associated with headaches vary by type of headache. They also vary from person to person and from headache to headache in the same patient.

The most common symptom of headache is pain. This pain may be mild, moderate or severe. The quality of the pain may also vary. Headaches may be described as intense, pounding, throbbing or steady. The location of the pain is another important characteristic. Pain may occur on one side of the head or both sides. It may be generalized and felt all over the head or be focused on certain areas. Frequency and duration may also vary.

In addition to pain, headaches may be associated with a number of other signs and symptoms, including:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Temporary visual disturbances (aura)
• Fatigue
• Irritability or restlessness
• Excessive sweating
• Orofacial pain, jaw discomfort or dental pain
• Neck pain 
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Eye pain, redness, drooping eyelid, decreased pupil size, extreme tearing or swelling below or around the eyes  
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or nasal congestion
• Allodynia (pain from a normally nonpainful stimulus)
• Ear pain  

Many types of headache do not require medical attention. However, patients are encouraged to discuss all serious or recurring headaches with their physician and seek medical attention when a headache:

• Starts suddenly
• Is severe or persistent
• Does not improve with treatment
• Disturbs sleep
• Occurs with activity
• Changes in pattern or intensity
• Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as drowsiness, vision changes, changes in movement or sensation, changes in alertness, nausea and vomiting

In some cases head pain may indicate a more serious underlying condition such as a stroke, brain tumor or aneurysm. As a result, patients should seek emergency medical treatment when:

• A headache is accompanied by unusual symptoms not experienced with previous headaches including:
  
  
• Speech problems
• Vision abnormalities  (e.g., double vision)
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Rash
• Seizures
• Mental confusion
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
• A headache occurs after a head injury
  
  
• A chronic headache intensifies with coughing, exertion, straining or sudden movement
  
  
• A new type of headache pain occurs (in those over age 50 or younger than 8)