What should I do if I experience a severe headache in the back of my head?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A severe headache in the back of the head can signal a serious underlying condition and should not be ignored. Common causes include occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, or migraines, but sudden or intense pain may also indicate high blood pressure, a hemorrhage, or other emergencies requiring urgent care.

Because the causes vary widely—from muscle strain to life-threatening issues—identifying the likely source quickly is important. Taking a free, instant symptom check online can help you understand your symptoms, evaluate urgency, and decide whether to seek emergency care, schedule a doctor's visit, or monitor at home. It's a fast, informed first step toward the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing your severe headache Discover if your headache needs urgent care See if back-of-head pain means migraine Find OTC relief for severe headaches Find a headache specialist near you Discover safe home remedies for headaches Understand if this headache could be serious

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Explanation

There are numerous health conditions that can cause a severe headache in the back of your head. Sometimes, this symptom can be a warning sign of a serious health condition.

Here are some steps you can take:

Seek Medical Attention: It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your headache and receive appropriate treatment.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any other symptoms you might be experiencing, such as dizziness or vision changes, and share these with your healthcare provider.

Remember, while many people experience headaches, a sudden and severe headache (especially in the back of the head) should not be ignored. To help identify potential causes and understand when to seek immediate care, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker for a personalized assessment and guidance on the best next steps for your situation.

(References)

Sturzenegger M. (1994). the warning symptoms of vertebral artery dissection. Headache, 8014032.
Gfrerer L, Xu W, Austen W, Ashina S, Melo-Carrillo A, Longhi MS, et al. (2022). OnabotulinumtoxinA alters inflammatory gene expression .... Brain : a journal of neurology, 34932787.
Genizi J, Khourieh-Matar A, Assaf N, Chistyakov I, & Srugo I. (2017). Occipital Headaches in Children: Are They a Red Flag?. Journal of child neurology, 28768455.

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