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What to do if…
you have a new severe headache with a droopy eyelid or unequal pupils

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 now. A new severe headache with a droopy eyelid or noticeably unequal pupils needs urgent medical assessment.

Do not do these things

  • Do not drive yourself to A&E; ask someone else to drive you or call 999.
  • Do not wait to see if it passes, or try to sleep it off.
  • Do not keep re-dosing painkillers to push through the pain.
  • Do not start aspirin just in case unless a clinician tells you to.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs to cope with the pain.
  • Do not ignore sudden speech trouble, face drooping, arm weakness, confusion, fainting, or major vision change, even if it comes and goes.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 and say: “New severe headache with a droopy eyelid or unequal pupils.”
  2. Note the timing: write down when the headache started, when you first noticed the eyelid or pupil change, and the last time you were definitely normal. Keep this note for the ambulance or A&E team.
  3. Make it easier for help to reach you:
    • Unlock the front door, or arrange access.
    • Turn on a light.
    • Clear a path to you.
    • Keep pets contained.
  4. Gather only what is immediately to hand, without delaying help:
    • Your medicines or a photo of them, especially blood thinners.
    • Any allergy details.
    • A brief note of major conditions, recent head injury, recent surgery, pregnancy or recent birth.
  5. Keep yourself safer while waiting: sit or lie down with your head supported. If you vomit, feel faint, or feel very drowsy, lie on your side.
  6. If someone is with you: ask them to stay nearby and to tell 999 immediately if your face droops, one arm becomes weak, your speech changes, you become confused, or you are harder to wake.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out what is causing it.
  • You do not need to contact your GP first for this symptom combination.
  • You do not need to pack a bag.
  • You do not need to search symptoms or compare possible diagnoses now.
  • You do not need to gather paperwork if it would delay calling 999 or leaving safely for A&E.

Important reassurance

Feeling unsure or scared is normal. With a new severe headache plus a droopy eyelid or noticeably unequal pupils, calling 999 is a reasonable safety-first step, even if you worry you are overreacting.

Scope note

These are first steps only, to reduce risk and get urgent assessment. Decisions about scans, eye assessment, neurology assessment, and treatment may need specialist medical help.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or professional advice. If symptoms are happening now or returning, seek urgent help through 999 or A&E.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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