Open 24/7 · Walk-Ins Welcome · Montrose, Houston
Headache & Migraine Emergency Room in Montrose, Houston
A severe headache can be disruptive, and in some cases, it can be a sign of something more serious. Montrose Emergency Room provides 24/7 evaluation for severe headaches and migraines, including CT imaging when appropriate. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.
Sudden, severe headache or the “worst headache of your life”? Montrose Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open 24/7
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Appointment Required
Emergency Evaluation
On-Site Diagnostic Testing
When to seek emergency care
When Should You Go to the ER for a Headache?
Most headaches, including many migraines, are not medical emergencies. However, certain warning signs can indicate a more serious underlying cause.
Consider emergency evaluation if you have:
Sudden, severe headache described as “the worst of your life”
Headache with confusion, weakness, or trouble speaking
Headache with a stiff neck and fever
Headache after a head injury
Headache with vision changes
Headache that started very suddenly and peaked within seconds to minutes
Headache with nausea or vomiting that is worsening
A new type of severe headache, especially over age 50
Headache with seizure
Worsening headache despite usual medication
Headache that wakes you from sleep
Headache worsened by coughing or straining
Headache with numbness or weakness on one side
Headache during pregnancy with vision changes
Any headache you are unsure how serious it is
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
For sudden or severe headaches, Montrose Emergency Room is open 24/7 with on-site CT imaging.
Possible causes
Headaches Have Many Possible Causes
People often search: Is this a migraine or something worse? Should I go to the ER for a bad headache? What causes a sudden severe headache?
Headaches can range from tension headaches and migraines to, less commonly, more serious causes.
Because a small number of headaches can signal something more serious, sudden or unusual headache patterns deserve medical attention.
Possible causes of headaches can include:
Migraines
Tension headaches
Dehydration
Sinus infections
High blood pressure
Other neurological conditions
Caffeine withdrawal
Eye strain
Sleep deprivation
Stress
Medication overuse
Cluster headaches
Head or neck injury
Hormonal changes
Other underlying conditions
What type of headache?
What Type of Headache Do You Have?
Migraine
Migraines often cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea.
Seek evaluation if a migraine feels different than usual or doesn’t respond to your typical treatment.
Sudden Severe Headache
A headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds to minutes needs prompt evaluation.
Seek emergency evaluation immediately for any sudden, severe headache.
Headache With Neurological Symptoms
Headache accompanied by confusion, weakness, or vision changes can indicate a more serious cause.
It is particularly important not to ignore a headache with any neurological symptom.
What to expect
What Happens When You Go to the ER for a Headache?
A common question is: “Will I get a CT scan?” Your evaluation typically starts with a discussion of your headache and a neurological examination.
1
Symptom Review
A discussion of your headache pattern, onset, and severity.
2
Neurological Exam
A focused examination to check for warning signs.
3
Imaging if Needed
CT imaging may be used when appropriate.
4
Treatment & Follow-Up
Care may include medication to relieve pain and other symptoms.
The emergency physician may ask:
When did the headache start?
How severe is the pain?
Did it start suddenly or gradually?
Is this similar to past headaches?
Do you have vision changes?
Do you have neck stiffness?
Have you had a recent head injury?
Do you have nausea or vomiting?
Do you have a fever?
Are you on any blood thinners?
Do you have a history of migraines?
Have you taken any medication for it?
On-site CT imaging
CT Imaging and Treatment for Headaches
Depending on your symptoms, the physician may determine that imaging or treatment is appropriate. Montrose Emergency Room offers on-site services that may include:
CT Imaging
May be used to help rule out more serious causes.
Neurological Examination
Assessment of strength, coordination, and vision.
Laboratory Testing
May help evaluate related factors.
IV Fluids & Medication
Used to help relieve pain and associated symptoms.
Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure can be associated with severe headaches.
Physician Evaluation
A thorough history and physical examination.
Not every headache needs imaging. Testing is selected based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Common concerns
Can the ER Check for Meningitis or a Serious Headache Cause?
Possible Meningitis
Emergency physicians can evaluate symptoms that may be associated with meningitis. Common symptoms can include:
Severe headache with stiff neck
Fever
Sensitivity to light
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion
Rash
Extreme fatigue
Meningitis cannot be diagnosed based only on symptoms. Examination and testing may be necessary.
Possible Sudden-Onset Serious Headache
A sudden, severe headache can rarely indicate bleeding around the brain. Warning signs may include:
Headache reaching peak intensity within seconds
Described as the worst headache ever
Vision changes
Loss of consciousness
Neck stiffness
Weakness on one side
Emergency evaluation with CT imaging can help determine whether a serious cause is present.
Migraine With Aura
Some migraines come with visual disturbances, numbness, or speech changes before the headache begins.
A new or unusual aura should be evaluated to rule out other causes.
Migraine with aura that feels different than usual should be medically evaluated.
Warning signs
Headache With Fever, Vision Changes or Weakness
Headache With Fever and Stiff Neck
A headache with fever and neck stiffness can indicate a serious infection needing prompt evaluation.
Seek emergency attention for headache, fever, and neck stiffness occurring together.
Headache With Vision Changes
Vision changes with a headache can indicate a more serious underlying cause.
Seek emergency evaluation immediately for headache with blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss.
Headache With Weakness
Weakness or numbness on one side with a headache needs immediate attention.
Signs to watch for include facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech with a headache.
Know where to go
ER or Urgent Care for a Headache?
Patients often ask: “Should I go to urgent care or the ER for a headache?” A familiar migraine pattern may be manageable with your usual treatment. A sudden, severe, or unusual headache is generally better evaluated in the ER.
Condition / Need
Montrose ER
Urgent Care
Sudden, severe “worst headache”
–
Headache with confusion or weakness
–
Headache with fever and stiff neck
–
Headache after a head injury
–
Any new, severe, or unusual headache
–
A typical migraine with usual pattern and no red-flag symptoms
Not sure where to go?
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911. Consider emergency evaluation for sudden, severe, or unusual headaches.
General guidance only. Every situation is different, and the right level of care depends on your symptoms.
ER vs Urgent Care GuideWhy Montrose Emergency Room
Why Choose Montrose Emergency Room for Headaches?
Severe or unusual headaches deserve careful evaluation. Montrose Emergency Room provides emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Come in whenever symptoms start.
No Appointment Required
No scheduling needed for emergency evaluation.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Assessment by emergency physicians.
On-Site CT Imaging
Imaging when medically appropriate.
Neurological Evaluation
Assessment of strength, speech, and coordination.
IV Medication for Pain Relief
Treatment to help relieve pain and symptoms.
On-Site Laboratory Testing
Blood work without leaving the facility.
Emergency Treatment
Care for headaches requiring prompt attention.
Care for Adults and Children
Emergency care for patients of all ages.
If a patient’s condition requires hospitalization, specialty evaluation, or another level of treatment, the medical team can determine the appropriate next step.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
“
I had a great experience at the Montrose urgent care today. The registration tech, Gabrella, was very friendly and made the check-in process quick and easy. RN Wasef was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. Dr. Maewal took the time to listen and provided excellent care, and Pablo in radiology was also very helpful and welcoming. The whole staff was efficient, caring, and I was checked out quickly without feeling rushed. Definitely appreciate the great service from everyone today!
Donald Chanthapathet
Google Review
“
I really recommend this place, as soon as I walked in I asked the front desk Gaby came automatically came to me banned and grabbed a wheel chair and she went out and she helped my son get in the chair and took him inside........ Subi help too. Nurse Waset was awesome, Pablo the radiology tech was helpful, Dr. Ambe was really nice too. I really appreciate her attention by taking my son in. Gaby definitely went an extra mile of customer service and client care.
Jenn Hoggs
Google Review
“
Excellent service. Very clean facility.. proffesional staff.Gaby and Cindy at the front desk very helpful and efficient. Wasef very helpful knowledgeable and very kind. Pablo very helpful and kind. I always go to this Er. I highly recommend Montrose ER for all kinds of Emergencies in Montrose. Really I appreciate the service I got.
Wasef Bisher
Google Review
Serving central Houston
Headache & Migraine ER in Montrose and Central Houston
Montrose Emergency Room provides convenient access to emergency headache evaluation for patients throughout Montrose and central Houston. The facility also serves patients coming from nearby communities including:
Midtown
River Oaks
Upper Kirby
Museum District
Downtown Houston
Neartown
Surrounding central Houston neighborhoods
Patients searching for a headache ER in Montrose, an emergency room for migraine symptoms in Houston, or a 24-hour emergency room in central Houston can visit without a scheduled appointment.
Visit Montrose Emergency Room
1110 W Gray St #101
Houston, TX 77019 (Montrose)
Open 24/7 — 365 Days a Year
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
Should I go to the ER for a migraine?
A typical migraine that follows your usual pattern may not need emergency care. A sudden, severe, or unusual headache should be evaluated promptly.
What does “worst headache of your life” mean?
This phrase describes a headache far more severe than any you’ve had before, often starting suddenly. This pattern warrants emergency evaluation.
Can the ER do a CT scan for a headache?
CT imaging may be used when the emergency physician determines that it is medically appropriate based on your symptoms.
Can high blood pressure cause a severe headache?
Yes, significantly elevated blood pressure can be associated with headache and should be evaluated.
Can the ER check for meningitis?
Yes. Emergency physicians can evaluate for signs of meningitis based on your symptoms and examination.
Should I be worried about a headache with a stiff neck?
Headache with fever and neck stiffness should be evaluated promptly, as it can indicate a serious infection.
Do I need an appointment for a severe headache?
No appointment is required for emergency evaluation at Montrose Emergency Room.
Is Montrose Emergency Room open at night?
Yes. Montrose Emergency Room operates 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Sudden or Severe Headache? Get Evaluated 24/7
Don’t ignore a headache that feels different or severe. Montrose Emergency Room is available 24/7 for headaches, migraines, and related neurological symptoms. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is required.
Montrose Emergency Room · 1110 W. Gray St., Suite 101 · Houston, TX 77019 · (832) 487-0911
If your symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.