HEADACHES
Nearly everyone has had a headache. The most common type of headache is a Tension Headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. You are more likely to get tension headaches if you work too much, don't get enough sleep, miss meals or use alcohol. Other common types of headaches include migraines, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. Most people can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers … Headaches can have many causes, but serious causes of headaches are rare. Sometimes headaches warn of a more serious disorder. Let your health care provider know if you have sudden, severe headaches.
Get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness or pain in the eye or ear. The American Academy of Family Physicians has an excellent guide below that you should review as a starting point for information on managing a headache. Please see your family Physician immediately if you have any questions.
Information on Headaches (American Academy of Family Physicians)
[This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.]
There are many causes for headaches, which are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Follow this chart for more information.
SYMPTOMS |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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SELF-CARE |
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1. Do you have a fever, cold symptoms, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea? |
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You may have the FLU or a COLD or GASTROENTERITIS, the stomach flu. |
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Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use over-the-counter medicine to relieve cold and flu symptoms and for diarrhea. |
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2. Do you have a severe headache, stiff neck and vomiting, and does normal light hurt your eyes? |
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You may have MENINGITIS, a serious infection of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord, or INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE, bleeding inside the brain. |
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EMERGENCY |
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3. Have you injured your head or been knocked out recently? |
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You may have a CONCUSSION, or a SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, a serious condition caused by blood pushing on your brain. |
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URGENT |
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4. Do you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs? |
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You may be having a STROKE. |
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EMERGENCY |
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5. Do you have pressure around your eyes, or do you have yellowish-green nasal discharge with a sore throat and a fever? |
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You may have a SINUS INFECTION. |
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Treat fever, headache and sore throat with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An over-the-counter decongestant and saline nasal spray may help relieve other symptoms. See your doctor if the pain becomes severe or your fever persists. |
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6. Do you have mild to moderate pain around your temples and does the pain occur during times of stress or after you have been sitting in one position for a long time? |
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You may have a TENSION HEADACHE. |
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Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. Getting plenty of rest, taking a hot shower and applying ice packs to painful areas may also help. |
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7. Do you have intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea or vomiting, and is the pain sometimes preceded by seeing flashing lights or spots? |
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You may suffer from MIGRAINE headaches. |
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See your doctor. He or she can diagnose your problem and may prescribe prescription medicine for migraines. In the meantime, use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. You can also rest in a dark room and apply ice packs and gentle pressure to painful areas. |
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8. Do your headaches occur after you read, watch TV or use a computer? |
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Your headaches may be due to VISION PROBLEMS. |
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See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam to see if you need glasses or contacts to correct your vision. |
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9. Do you get headaches and do you feel shaky and weak if you miss a meal? |
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Your headaches may be from HYPOGLYCEMIA, or low blood sugar. |
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See your doctor. You can also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large meals. This may regulate your blood sugar. |
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10. Are you trying to cut down on caffeine, alcohol or some other drug? |
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You may be suffering from WITHDRAWAL. |
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Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort. The symptoms should fade after a few days. Don't restart your habit. |
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For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away. |
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Copyright ©2009 American Academy of Family Physicians
(Sources: Medline Plus/ American Academy of Family Physicians/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
