Severe Pain
Some symptoms may require immediate medical attention.

When does pain require emergency care?

If not due to an injury, most pain should be addressed with your primary care or pain management physician.

Go to your nearest ER or call 911 if any of these conditions apply:

  • Headache that comes on suddenly and is especially violent
  • Headache following any type of head injury
  • Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck and/or vomiting
  • Headache accompanied by slurred speech, confusion, changes in vision or movement
  • Back pain with difficulty urinating or controlling urine
  • Back pain with blood in urine
  • Back pain with loss of bowel control
  • Leg pain if you've had recent surgery, or been on a long plane or car ride
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Severe abdominal pain

Common causes of sudden and sevre pain cinclude:

  • Stroke - occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is stopped or reduced
  • Heart Attack - typically severe pain in chest, back or arm, accompanied by sweating, chest pressure or difficulty breathing
  • Blood Clots - can be the cause of severe leg pain; can be life-threatening
  • Appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix; typically causes severe pain in right side of abdomen
  • Kidney or Gall Stones - severe pain in the abdomen that can come on slowly and move around
  • Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve - typically a more chronic problem but can come on suddenly
  • Migraine Headaches - pulsating headaches that can include nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity
  • Muscle Sprains and Strains - sudden pain due to overuse or improper movement

This list is not inclusive of all possible medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Emergency Room in Foley


South Baldwin Regional
Medical Center

1613 N. McKenzie Street
Foley, AL 36535


Get Directions to the ER


South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
Freestanding Emergency Department

3590 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542


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Emergency Symptoms

Heart Attack

A heart attack can occur at any time & they are not always sudden & intense. Knowing & recognizing heart attack warning signs can save a life.

View Warning Signs

Severe Pain

If not due to an injury, most pain should be addressed with your doctor. However, some symptoms may require immediate medical attention.

View Emergent Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

The types, severity & causes of stomach pain range from mild to life-threatening. View our list of emergent symptoms & know when to go to the ER.

View Emergent Symptoms

Dizziness

There are many possible causes for the feelings of dizziness, weakness and confusion. View symptoms & know when to go to the ER.

View Emergent Symptoms

Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and is often extremely painful. View symptoms & know when to go to the ER.

View Emergent Symptoms

Chest Pain

While not always heart-related, some causes of chest pain, such as a heart attack, can be life threatening. View possible causes of chest pain and know when to go to the ER.

View Emergent Symptoms