When patients have a symptom of headache for a stroke, is it the most severe headache (thunderclap.) or can it be a minor h/a that doesn't get worse?

Stroke: Generally strokes do not cause pain. The brain has no nerves of its own. Anneysm bleeds trauma related bleeds iaround the brain are very painful. Frequently reported as the worse headache of my life. Generally starts slow and builds in severity as blood accumulates irritating meninges protective layers around brain.

Headache: Headaches are a very common complaint and most people get it now and then. A thunderclap headache however is most often associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, it can also be from any process that acutely increases intracranial pressure. The key about headaches is whether or not they are very unusual for you (location, duration, severity). If its unusual or severe: seek medical attention.

Can be either one: Different types of stroke can be associated with different headaches. A stroke can be occur without a headache or with a severe thunderclap headache.