Q I suddenly got the worst headache I've ever experienced in my life. What should I do in a situation like this?
A This kind of "thunderclap headache" can be a sign of a brain hemorrhage (subarachnoid hemorrhage). Call 119 immediately or go to the emergency room. Never just self-medicate and wait.
Detailed Answer
A thunderclap headache is one that becomes extremely severe within seconds to a minute and is the most typical symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage. An extremely severe headache experienced for the first time in life, an intense headache starting at the back of the head, or a headache accompanied by altered consciousness, vomiting, or neck stiffness are all emergency warning signs. A brain CT scan is needed immediately, and you must never take only painkillers and wait.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The root-cause treatment Dongjedang emphasizes applies only to headaches without warning signs. If a thunderclap headache, an extremely severe headache at the back of the head, altered consciousness, sudden vision loss, or one-sided paralysis or speech impairment occurs, it is not a case for clinic treatment; go to the emergency room immediately. Stroke, meningitis, and subdural hematoma can also first appear as a headache, so seek emergency care without delay.
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