There are some common symptoms you may feel from time to time that you don’t think much about because you are used to them. But there are also symptoms that can arise which might be out of character and should certainly never be ignored.

Symptoms we experience are our body’s way of saying to us there is something wrong. It is imperative we listen or we can ultimately become disabled or even die if the situation is serious enough. Here is a brief overview of some of the symptoms to be on alert for and be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Intense Sudden Headache

A headache that grows worse by the minute and hurts worse than any pain you’ve had before could be a serious sign something is wrong. It could point to a ruptured aneurysm which is a blood vessel in the brain that has burst. A sudden, intense headache could also mean meningitis, cardiac cephalgia, or temporal arteritis.

Chest Pains

Any feelings of heaviness or pressure in the chest could signal a heart attack. Pain may be in the chest and radiating down your arms. If accompanied by vomiting, sweating, and shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately. Chest pain may indicate something less serious but should always be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Sudden Loss of Weight

While you may want to drop a few pounds, if you start losing a lot of weight in a short period of time, it can be an indication of several conditions including diabetes or cancer. Endocrine disorders are commonly related to unexplained weight loss. If you are slimming down and it is not intentional, check in with your doctor.

Sudden Confusion

It may be common to forget things here and there but if you have experienced bouts of sudden confusion or a change in personality, speak with your doctor. Brain bleeding or brain tumors can cause such symptoms. If accompanied by weakness in the face or limbs, it could signal a stroke.