Headaches: what they are, when to see a doctor and what the first visit is like
A headache may need immediate medical attention if it starts suddenly or comes with certain warning signs. MedlinePlus and the NHS explain when to seek help.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only · Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona
Comprehensive Body Assessment €70 at the clinic · €120 at home
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
When to see a doctor or call 112
Call 112 or go to A&E (urgencias)
These signs apply to children too.
- Sudden, explosive or extremely severe pain; the worst you have ever had, even if you regularly get headaches.
- Trouble speaking, changed or lost vision, or weakness or numbness in your face, arms or legs.
- Loss of balance, difficulty walking, confusion, memory problems, drowsiness or a seizure.
- A very high temperature, a stiff neck or discomfort in bright light; also fever and a stiff neck with nausea or vomiting.
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it.
- Pain after a head injury, including an injury within the last three months.
- Severe pain in just one eye, which is also red.
- Pain straight after lifting weights, running or having sex.
- Pain that gets worse over 24 hours.
- Your first severe headache, if it stops you doing your daily activities.
- In children under 12: a headache with difficulty swallowing or a persistent lack of energy.
Do not drive yourself to A&E: ask someone to drive you or call 112.
See a doctor today; if you can’t be seen straight away, go to A&E (urgencias)
- Headaches that have just started, especially if you are over 50.
- Jaw pain when chewing, vision problems or weight loss; also a sore or tender scalp.
- A new headache if you have a history of cancer.
- A headache if illness or medication has weakened your immune system.
- Pain triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down.
- A headache with vomiting.
- Any other symptoms you are worried about alongside a headache.
- In children: a headache that grows worse over the days or wakes them at night.
- In children under 12: a headache on waking, eyes pointing in different directions or difficulty looking upwards.
Book an appointment with your doctor
- Pain that wakes you or makes it hard to fall asleep.
- Pain lasting more than a few days, or worse in the mornings.
- A change in your usual pattern or in how severe the pain is.
- Frequent headaches with no known cause, or headaches several times a week.
- Self-care is not helping, or the pain is not getting better or is gradually getting worse.
- Severe headaches.
- Throbbing pain at the front or on one side of your head; or nausea, vomiting or finding light or noise painful.
List based on MedlinePlus, “Headaches - danger signs” and “Headache”, and the NHS, “Headaches” and “Tension headaches”, checked on 2 November 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What a headache is
MedlinePlus defines a headache as pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck.
MedlinePlus says serious causes are rare and tension headache is the most common type. Migraine is another type described by the source. Decisions about medication belong with your doctor.
MedlinePlus suggests keeping a headache diary to review with your doctor.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Headache”, reviewed 27 October 2025; accessed 2 November 2026.
- MedlinePlus, “Headaches - danger signs”, reviewed 27 October 2025; accessed 2 November 2026.
- NHS, “Headaches”, reviewed 17 April 2024; accessed 2 November 2026.
- NHS, “Tension headaches”, reviewed 1 August 2025; accessed 2 November 2026.
If you get in touch about headaches: what the first visit is like
Arranging a visit
Message me on WhatsApp or call, and tell me your town and whether you want a clinic or home visit.
First I listen
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. The Comprehensive Body Assessment includes a case history (an initial conversation about your health), a full check and first contact.
Looking at the whole body
I don’t work on one isolated area on its own: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
When I recommend a doctor
If I have any doubt, can’t work on your case or something isn’t a matter for my hands-on work, I recommend seeing your doctor.
What my sessions involve
My sessions involve thorough, hands-on work. I also give posture advice and personalised exercises to do at home. I make no promises.
Read about my approach on the osteopathy page.
Prices
Where we meet and what it costs
You need an appointment to come to my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic. The address is C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. There is a free unpaved car park 50 m away.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment: the first visit costs €70 at the clinic and lasts 60 minutes. At home, it costs €120.
- Clinic osteopathy session: €70 per session.
- Home session: from €100.
For a home visit, I come to your home, hotel or villa. I cover San Pedro, Marbella, including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, and Benahavís. I also visit Estepona with advance notice.
You can pay in cash, by Bizum or by bank transfer. I don’t work with insurers. See the full price list.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Before arranging a visit
Can I message you before I’ve seen a doctor?
You can message me to ask about an appointment. Diagnosis belongs with your doctor. If you have any warning signs, follow the medical advice in the box before booking.
What should I bring if I already have a diagnosis?
Bring any reports or test results from your doctor or a specialist. If you don’t have any, that’s fine.
What goes in the diary MedlinePlus mentions?
The date and time the pain started, what you ate and drank in the previous 24 hours, and how much you slept. Also note what you were doing, where you were and how long the episode lasted. MedlinePlus recommends reviewing it with your doctor.
What if I’ve had surgery?
Your doctor has the final say. I only start working with you once they have discharged you, following all their instructions and safety requirements.
Can I bring my child for a visit?
A parent must be present for me to work with a child. If their headache is getting worse or waking them at night, the NHS says to seek urgent medical help.
Tell me what kind of visit you need and where
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To arrange a visit, tell me your town and whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only; home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona. Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
I do the sessions in Spanish or English.