Ask the doctor: When to call the doctor about headaches

Q. How long should I let a headache last before I see a doctor?

A. That's a hard question to answer without knowing a lot more. Some people have headaches frequently. Women are more likely to suffer from migraine headaches if another close relative (particularly a female relative) suffers from migraines. Many types of headaches, particularly migraine headaches, begin in childhood and afflict people for years.