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uk Health & medical scares new severe headache • sudden severe headache • worst headache of life • thunderclap headache • severe headache with eye symptoms • droopy eyelid with headache • new eyelid droop • ptosis new onset • unequal pupils • anisocoria • one pupil bigger • one pupil smaller • severe headache different than usual • severe headache with vision change • severe headache with confusion • severe headache with weakness • severe headache after exertion • severe headache after sex • severe headache after cough • stroke warning signs • possible brain bleed symptoms

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

Short answer

Call 999 now or go to A&E immediately. A new severe headache with a droopy eyelid or unequal pupils needs urgent assessment.

Do not do these things

  • Do not drive yourself to hospital if you can avoid it — use 999.
  • Do not wait to see if it passes, or “sleep it off.”
  • Do not keep re-dosing painkillers to try to push through, and 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 other sudden neurological symptoms (speech trouble, weakness, confusion, major vision change), even if they come and go.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 and say: “New severe headache with a droopy eyelid / unequal pupils.”
  2. Note the timing: write down when the headache started and when you first noticed the eyelid/pupil change (or the last time you were definitely normal). Keep this note for the ambulance/A&E team.
  3. Make it easier for help to reach you (30–60 seconds):
    • Unlock the front door (or arrange access) and clear a path.
    • Turn on a light and keep pets contained.
  4. If you can safely reach them, gather only the essentials:
    • A list/photos of your medications (especially blood thinners), allergies, and major conditions.
    • Any recent events that matter (head injury, recent surgery/procedure, very high blood pressure readings, pregnancy/recent birth).
  5. Keep yourself safe while waiting: sit or lie down with your head supported. If you vomit or feel faint, lie on your side.
  6. If someone is with you: ask them to stay with you, and to tell 999 immediately if you develop face drooping, arm weakness, or speech problems.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out what’s causing it.
  • You do not need to contact your GP first for this symptom combination.
  • You do not need to pack a bag or gather lots of information — focus on getting urgent help.

Important reassurance

Feeling unsure and scared is normal. With new severe headache plus a droopy eyelid or unequal pupils, calling 999 is a reasonable, safety-first response — even if you worry you’re “overreacting.”

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce risk and get you assessed urgently. Decisions about scans, eye/neurology evaluation, and treatment should be made by clinicians.

Important note

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

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