Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services immediately for a headache that becomes extremely severe within seconds or minutes, especially if it is new or accompanied by vomiting, neck stiffness, fainting, confusion, seizure, weakness, speech difficulty, or vision loss.
Do not drive yourself to hospital.
After a known subarachnoid hemorrhage, seek emergency help for:
Another sudden, severe headache
A new seizure or loss of consciousness
New weakness, numbness, facial drooping, or speech difficulty
Rapidly increasing confusion or difficulty waking
Repeated vomiting with worsening headache
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for persistent fatigue, mild ongoing headaches without sudden worsening, sleep problems, memory or concentration changes, low mood, or difficulty returning to normal activities.
Mention these symptoms rather than assuming they are an unavoidable part of recovery.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Subarachnoid hemorrhage. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.