Could Bad Pain On The Side Of The Head Be A Sign Of Impending Stroke?

Posted on Sun, 24 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 Answered on

Tue, 4 Jan 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My Dad is having bad pain on the side of his head. I have given him 2 500mg Tylenols. He is 99 years old. Could this be a sign of impending stroke and, if so, what should I do next?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to stroke.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Although headache can be associated with stroke, I would not panic and consider stroke as the primary concern when it comes to headache. Rather, I would wait and watch. Tyelenol should help. Aleve (naproxen) is another good medicine to consider. Sibelium (Flunarizine) is a prescription medicine that can help.

In case your father does not have any neurodeficits like weakness on one side of the body, slurring of speech etc., I would not be concerned about stroke. However, get his blood pressure checked. If it is normal, there is no cause for concern.

Feel free to write back.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj