24/7 HEADACHE & DIZZINESS CARE
Severe Headache & Dizziness ER in Houston — 24/7 Evaluation
A sudden, severe headache—especially the worst of your life—or a headache or dizziness with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, or a stiff neck needs immediate emergency evaluation. The Heights Emergency Room in Houston is open 24/7 for walk-ins, with CT imaging on site.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Emergency Care for Headache and Dizziness, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Severe headaches don’t wait. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
CT Imaging On Site
CT of the head when your physician needs to check for bleeding or other causes.
Migraine Treatment
IV medication for severe migraine pain and nausea when appropriate.
Lab Testing & EKG
Blood work, blood sugar, and an EKG to look for other causes of dizziness.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Most headaches are not dangerous. A new pattern, a sudden onset, or neurologic symptoms are what make a headache an emergency.
HEADACHE WARNING SIGNS
When Should You Go to the ER for a Severe Headache?
Go to the ER for a headache that comes on suddenly and severely, is the worst you’ve ever had, follows a head injury, or comes with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, vision changes, weakness, numbness, fainting, or repeated vomiting. A headache that is new and different from your usual pattern—especially after age 50—also deserves prompt evaluation.
Migraines and tension headaches can be intensely painful but are rarely dangerous. The red flags above can point to bleeding in or around the brain, a stroke, meningitis, or other conditions where time matters.
Get emergency care for a headache with:
- Sudden onset that peaks within a minute
- The “worst headache of my life”
- Weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
- Vision loss or double vision
- Fever with a stiff neck
- Confusion or fainting
- A headache after a head injury
- Headache in pregnancy with swelling or vision changes
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Severe Headache or Dizziness?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 with CT imaging on site and no appointment needed.
For stroke signs, a seizure, or fainting, call 911.
On This Page
Severe Headache? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
The “Worst Headache of My Life”
A thunderclap headache reaches full intensity within about a minute and is a medical emergency.
This type of headache can be caused by bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage), often from a ruptured aneurysm. It may come with neck stiffness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or a brief loss of consciousness. Don’t wait to see whether it improves—call 911 or get to an ER immediately.
Migraine vs. a Dangerous Headache
If you have a history of migraines, the key question is whether this headache is different.
Signs it may be more than a migraine
- It is the worst or most sudden headache you’ve had
- It comes with new weakness or numbness on one side
- Your usual medication doesn’t help at all
- It started with exertion, coughing, or a head injury
- It lasts much longer than your usual migraines
Typical migraine aura, such as zigzag lights that fade within an hour, is different from sudden, lasting vision loss.
When Should Dizziness Send You to the ER?
Dizziness ranges from brief lightheadedness to a spinning sensation (vertigo) to feeling about to faint.
Get emergency care for dizziness with
- Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
- Double vision, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A new, severe headache
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
- Fainting, especially during exertion
- Dizziness after a head injury
Sudden vertigo with any neurologic symptom can be a sign of a stroke in the back of the brain, which is easy to miss.
Fainting and Lightheadedness
Fainting is often triggered by dehydration, standing up quickly, or a strong emotional reaction, but it can also signal a heart rhythm problem.
Fainting during exercise, while lying down, or with chest pain or palpitations should be evaluated promptly; see our chest pain ER page. Dizziness from not drinking enough, vomiting, or heat may respond to fluids; learn more about dehydration care.
STROKE WARNING SIGNS
Headache With Numbness, Weakness, or Trouble Speaking
These symptoms can signal a stroke, and stroke treatment is time-sensitive.
Remember BE FAST
- Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: sudden vision loss or double vision
- Face: one side of the face droops
- Arms: weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
- Speech: slurred, strange, or confused speech
- Time: call 911 and note when symptoms began
Call 911 rather than driving. Paramedics can alert a stroke-ready hospital in advance, which can save critical minutes. Learn more on our stroke emergency care page.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for a Severe Headache?
The physician asks how the headache started, checks your vital signs, and performs a neurologic exam of strength, sensation, vision, speech, and coordination.
CT of the Head
A CT scan can show bleeding, a mass, or swelling and may be ordered for sudden or concerning headaches.
Labs & EKG
Blood tests, blood sugar, and an EKG can help find other causes of dizziness or fainting.
Pain & Nausea Relief
IV fluids and medication for migraine pain and nausea may be given when appropriate.
Not every headache needs a CT scan. If specialist care is needed, such as for a stroke or brain bleed, the team arranges rapid transfer.
What Can Cause a Severe Headache or Dizziness?
An emergency physician may consider:
Primary Headaches
Migraine, cluster, and tension headaches are common and painful but usually not dangerous.
Bleeding or Stroke
Bleeding in or around the brain, stroke, and, rarely, blood clots in the brain’s veins.
Infection
Meningitis, sinus infections, and viral illnesses can cause headache with fever.
Other Causes
Dehydration, very high blood pressure, carbon monoxide, heart rhythm problems, and inner-ear disorders.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headache and dizziness in several people in the same home at once; leave the area and call 911. This list is general information, not a diagnosis.
QUICK ANSWERS
Headache & Dizziness Questions, Answered
When is a severe headache an emergency?
A headache is an emergency when it starts suddenly and severely, is the worst you’ve ever had, follows a head injury, or comes with confusion, fainting, a stiff neck and fever, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking. A new headache pattern after age 50 or during pregnancy also needs prompt evaluation.
Should I go to the ER for the worst headache I’ve ever had?
Yes. A sudden, severe “worst ever” headache can be a sign of bleeding around the brain and needs immediate evaluation, usually including a CT scan of the head. Call 911 if it came on within seconds to a minute or comes with confusion, fainting, a seizure, or weakness. Don’t drive yourself.
When should dizziness send me to the ER?
Go to the ER for dizziness with sudden trouble walking, double vision, slurred speech, facial droop, a severe headache, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fainting. Dizziness after a head injury or during exercise also needs evaluation. Mild lightheadedness when standing up quickly usually is not an emergency.
Is headache with vomiting or fainting an emergency?
It can be. A headache with repeated vomiting or fainting may signal increased pressure or bleeding in the brain, especially after a head injury or when the headache began suddenly, and it needs prompt evaluation. Vomiting with a typical migraine is common, but fainting is not and should be checked.
Should I call 911 for a headache with numbness or trouble speaking?
Yes. A headache with numbness, weakness, facial droop, or trouble speaking can be a stroke, and treatment depends on how quickly it starts. Call 911 instead of driving and note when the symptoms began. Paramedics can begin assessment and take the patient to the most appropriate hospital.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for Headache or Dizziness?
Call 911 immediately for symptoms that may mean a stroke, bleeding in the brain, or another neurologic emergency.
Call 911 for:
- Face drooping or arm weakness
- Slurred or confused speech
- A sudden thunderclap headache
- A seizure
- Fainting or unresponsiveness
- Sudden loss of vision or balance
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, and confusion
- Several people in one home with headaches
Paramedics can check blood sugar, monitor the heart, and route stroke patients to a stroke-ready hospital.
Never drive yourself with stroke symptoms, a sudden severe headache, or after fainting.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for a Severe Headache
Urgent care may help with a familiar migraine or a mild headache from a cold. Sudden, severe, or unusual headaches—and dizziness with neurologic symptoms—need an emergency room, where CT imaging is available.
Call 911
- Stroke signs
- Thunderclap headache
- Seizure or fainting
- Possible carbon monoxide exposure
Go to the ER
- Worst headache of your life
- Headache after a head injury
- Fever with a stiff neck
- Dizziness with trouble walking
- Migraine that won’t respond to usual treatment
Urgent Care or Your Doctor
- A typical migraine that is easing
- A mild tension headache
- A mild sinus headache with a cold
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Headache and Dizziness Evaluation in Houston
Severe headaches don’t follow a schedule. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Including a full neurologic exam.
CT of the Head
Imaging when clinically indicated.
Migraine Treatment
IV medication for pain and nausea.
EKG
Heart rhythm check for dizziness or fainting.
Laboratory Testing
Blood work and blood sugar.
Transfer Coordination
Arranged for stroke or specialist care.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Severe Headache ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults and children with severe headaches and dizziness and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Severe headache ER in Houston
- Migraine ER near me
- Dizziness ER near Houston Heights
- ER for the worst headache of my life
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for headache and dizziness evaluation.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
Patients with sudden headaches, migraines, and dizziness come to us from across central and northwest Houston—including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown. Our North Loop location is a short drive from many of these neighborhoods.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Headache & Dizziness ER — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. When a migraine doesn’t respond to your usual medication, the ER can give IV fluids and medications for pain and nausea. Tell the staff what you’ve already taken and when.
Not always. A CT scan of the head is typically used for sudden or severe headaches, headaches after a head injury, or headaches with neurologic symptoms. Your physician decides based on your history and exam.
Very high blood pressure can cause a headache, especially with chest pain, confusion, vision changes, or shortness of breath. That combination needs emergency evaluation.
No. If you are dizzy, have vision changes, or have fainted, have someone drive you or call 911.
Yes. Dehydration from heat, vomiting, or not drinking enough commonly causes headache and lightheadedness. Severe dehydration, confusion, or fainting needs emergency care.
Yes. Bring a list of your medications and any you took today. It helps your physician choose a safe and effective treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Severe Headache or Dizziness? Emergency Care Is Available 24/7
Don’t wait out a sudden, severe, or unusual headache, or dizziness with neurologic symptoms.
For stroke signs, a seizure, or fainting, call 911 immediately.
