Should I drive myself to A&E with a bad headache and confusion?

No, you should not drive yourself to A&E. A bad headache combined with confusion is a medical red flag that can indicate a serious neurological emergency, such as a stroke, brain bleed, meningitis, or a severe infection.¹²³

What You Should Do Instead

• Call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately or have someone else drive/call for an ambulance.¹²
• Do not get behind the wheel. Confusion and severe head pain severely impair your reaction time, vision, and concentration, putting yourself and others in danger. An ambulance crew can also begin vital medical assessments and care on the way to the hospital.¹
• If you are unsure and need rapid non-emergency medical advice in the UK, call NHS 111 or have someone call it for you, though confusion with a severe headache warrants immediate emergency services (999).¹

If you are able to reply, please let me know:

• Are you experiencing any other symptoms (such as weakness on one side, facial drooping, slurred speech, a stiff neck, or a high fever)?
• Is someone with you right now who can help call for emergency assistance?

No, you should not drive yourself.

A bad headache accompanied by confusion is a warning sign of a potentially serious medical emergency (such as a stroke, severe infection like meningitis, or bleeding in the brain) according to the NHS Headaches Guidance. Driving yourself is unsafe because confusion and severe pain drastically impair your concentration, reaction time, and physical coordination.¹

What You Should Do Instead

• Call 999 immediately or have someone else dial 999 for an emergency ambulance.
• Do not try to walk, drive, or manage this alone. If you are with someone, let them know right away or have them assist you.
• If you are alone and cannot call 999 yourself, try to unlock your front door for paramedics or use a medical alert device/phone speaker to call for help.¹

Are you currently alone, or is someone with you right now who can help call for emergency medical attention?

No. Do NOT drive yourself to A&E. Call 999 for an ambulance now.

A bad headache combined with confusion is a medical emergency. It can be a warning sign of a serious condition, including:

• A stroke or bleeding in or around the brain.
• Meningitis or encephalitis.
• A serious infection or other neurological emergency.

Please do these things now:

1. Call 999 and tell them you have a severe headache and confusion.
2. Do not drive yourself or attempt to travel alone.
3. Sit or lie somewhere safe while waiting for help.
4. If someone is with you, ask them to stay with you.
5. Note when the headache and confusion started, if you can.

Please don't wait to see if it gets better. Even if the confusion is mild or comes and goes, you need urgent assessment.

One important question, but please don't delay calling 999 to answer:

Is the confusion happening to you right now? For example, are you struggling to think clearly, remember things, find words, or understand what's happening?

I'm taking this seriously. Please call 999 now. ❤️