[When should a patient with headaches be referred to the emergency ward?].
Secondary headaches are rare though potentially severe. A systematic search of red flags helps to suspect headaches of secondary origin that require further urgent investigation. Main red flags are: sudden onset, exceptionally severe headache, new headache in patient over 50, vomiting or syncope, focal neurological sign or neck stiffness, recent trauma, uncommon headache during pregnancy or anticoagulant therapy, suspicion of glaucoma.
Morel
Philippe
P
Service de médecine interne générale, Département de médecine interne, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. phil.morel@hcuge.ch
Rutschmann
Olivier
O
Delémont
Cécile
C
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006261:Headache / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008580:Meningism / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013575:Syncope / Q000209:etiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology
D000925:Anticoagulants