Tele-triage for Headache

Audience: adult

Headaches are common and can range from mild to severe. Telemedicine can help assess your headache symptoms and guide you on the next steps. Many headaches are not emergencies and can be managed with advice from a healthcare provider through a virtual visit. However, some headaches may signal serious health issues that require urgent in-person care. This guide explains when tele-triage for headaches is appropriate, what to expect during a telemedicine visit, and when to seek emergency help. Understanding your symptoms and red flags can help you get the right care at the right time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache described as "worst headache of your life" — seek emergency care immediately.
• Headache accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or seizures — go to emergency services.
• Headache after head injury or with weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate headaches without red flags.
• Follow-up for known headache disorders.
• Advice on symptom management and medication use.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of sudden, severe headaches with neurological symptoms.
• Headaches with signs of infection like fever and neck stiffness.
• Headaches after head trauma.
• Diagnosis requiring physical examination or imaging that cannot be done remotely.

Understanding Headaches

Headaches can have many causes, including tension, dehydration, stress, or sinus problems. Most headaches are not dangerous and improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, some headaches may be a sign of more serious conditions such as infections, neurological problems, or other medical emergencies. Knowing the type and pattern of your headache helps healthcare providers decide the best care approach.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely, often through video or phone. It is useful for evaluating headaches that are new but not severe, recurring headaches, or headaches with mild symptoms. Providers can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and other factors to suggest treatment or recommend further testing. Tele-triage can help decide if you need in-person care or emergency services.

Red Flags That Need Immediate Care

Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:

These signs may indicate serious conditions like stroke, meningitis, or brain injury.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider may suggest home care measures, prescribe medications, or recommend tests. Follow their instructions carefully. If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person or emergency care promptly. Keep track of your headache patterns and any changes to share in follow-up visits. Telemedicine can be part of ongoing headache management but may not replace all in-person evaluations.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your headache symptoms, including onset, duration, and triggers.
• List any medications or treatments you have tried and their effects.
• Be ready to provide your medical history and any recent injuries or illnesses.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you feel weak or unsteady during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice on medications and home care.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new red flags.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms worsen.
• Keep a headache diary to track patterns and triggers for future visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my headache?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and medical history to suggest possible causes and recommend next steps. However, some diagnoses require physical exams or tests that must be done in person.

When should I go to the emergency room for a headache?

Go to the emergency room if you have a sudden, severe headache, especially if it is the worst headache you've ever had, or if you have symptoms like fever with neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, seizures, or if your headache follows a head injury.

Can I get prescriptions for headache medications through telemedicine?

Often, yes. Your provider may prescribe medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. However, some medications require in-person evaluation or monitoring.

What if my headache does not improve after the telemedicine visit?

If your headache worsens, does not improve, or you develop new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider again or seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are there ways to prevent headaches that I can discuss during a telemedicine visit?

Yes. Providers can discuss lifestyle changes, stress management, hydration, sleep habits, and other preventive strategies tailored to your situation during the visit.

Sources

1. Headache — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Headache Information — Mayo Clinic.
3. Headache and Migraine — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.