Headache is a common symptom that can occur at any age and in many situations. Indeed, it can be caused by fatigue, stress or lack of sleep, for example. In the majority of cases, this pain is benign and disappears with rest, hydration or simple analgesics.
What headaches should you worry about?
For Dr. Kierzek, author of My True Medical Bible, Symptoms for the whole family published by Editions Leduc on October 2, 2025, certain characteristics of headaches are particularly worrying and may suggest the presence of a brain tumor.
According to him, “persistent, unusual headaches, sometimes more intense in the morning and resistant to usual treatments, especially if they gradually worsen or are accompanied by nausea or vomiting, should lead to consultation..
These headaches differ markedly from usual pain. They are often continuous, intensify over time and appear in unusual areas of the skull.
The ineffectiveness of usual analgesics constitutes an additional warning signal. Like any change in the type or location of pain.
Epileptic seizures: a sometimes revealing sign of a tumor
The appearance of seizures in a person with no history is another major sign to watch for. Dr. Kierzek explains that “Epileptic seizures are sometimes the first warning sign of a brain tumor.”
These attacks can be accompanied by other neurological manifestations, such as visual disturbances, projectile vomiting, balance or language problems, or even unexplained drowsiness.
The location of the tumor influences the nature of the symptoms: occipital damage for vision, frontal damage for behavior or memory, parietal damage for limb sensitivity, etc.
When to see a doctor and when to call for help?
It is essential not to wait if certain signs appear. Any new, persistent, unusual headache or accompanied by neurological disorders, even mild, warrants rapid consultation with the treating physician.
Dr. Kierzek emphasizes that vigilance is all the more important when these symptoms gradually worsen, resist usual treatments or are accompanied by vomiting, visual disturbances or altered behavior.
“In situations where the signs intensify quickly, such as the sudden appearance of weakness, paralysis, loss of consciousness, epileptic seizures or uncontrollable vomiting, it is imperative to go to the emergency room or contact the SAMU. The goal is to quickly detect any serious complications and intervene before a serious neurological problem sets in.” warns the doctor.
Thunderclap headache: an absolute emergency
Finally, another type of very intense and sudden headache, called “thunderclap”, should always be considered an emergency.
Dr. Kierzek explains that she “most often evokes a neurological emergency, notably the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm“This pain associated with a hemorrhagic stroke reaches its peak in less than a minute and is a major warning sign.”A headache of this type requires immediate consultation in the emergency room via the SAMU. concludes the emergency doctor.