Headaches aren't a pleasant thing to have, not even minor ones, and when a heavy one hits, it can be debilitating. Migraine sufferers are familiar with the nasty effects that severe headaches can have, but for those who are not used to such headaches, it can be so overwhelming that it might be hard to know what to do.

When further hit by a combination of a sudden, severe headache and vomiting, it may be difficult to think about a course of action to take. However, the symptoms of a sudden severe headache and vomiting are often the sign of a serious medical concern, and actions should be taken immediately.

Possible Problems

Occasionally, the onset of sudden, severe headaches and vomiting do announce a migraine headache, and in that case, you should have something prescribed for the pain if it turns out to be a recurring problem. However, that doesn't make dealing with the sudden severe headache and vomiting seem any easier.

However, if it's the first occurrence of a sudden, severe headache and vomiting, you won't have a diagnosis from your doctor, nor will you have any painkillers prescribed, so for safety's sake, it's best to get to a hospital. The onset of a sudden severe headache and vomiting may be a sign of a form of head trauma known as subarachnoid bleeding.

This is bleeding between the brain and the skull. This particular injury happens most often after accidents in which the head was hit, and is severe enough that without proper medical care, a person could go into a coma or even die.

If a sudden, severe headache and vomiting comes with a fever as well, there's a chance that you may be suffering from meningitis, which is an affliction that affects the nervous system. This disease can cause enough damage to kill, and even if it doesn't, common problems resulting from meningitis include hearing loss.

If You're Suffering

Once again, if you're suffering from sudden, severe headache and vomiting, you need to make your way to an emergency medical facility. Given the extreme nature of the symptoms, for safety's sake, you should call for an ambulance or have a family member or neighbor drive you to the emergency room, since driving will be too difficult.

If you have to wait for help, it's best to elevate your head at an angle of about 30 degrees whenever you're not forced to deal with the nausea. Above all, as long as you seek help as soon as possible, you stand a good chance of receiving diagnosis and proper treatment for your sudden, severe headache and vomiting.