When to Worry About a Headache
If you have a headache, it's essential to know what it is and when to worry. A headache can signify an underlying medical problem, so it's essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. To ensure you get the best treatment, it's a good idea to write down your symptoms and take them to your doctor. You can also make a headache diary to take to your doctor's office. You can then ask your doctor questions about the headache log.
Symptoms
Headaches are uncomfortable and often disabling. These attacks typically involve throbbing pain on one side of the head, pressure or tightness in the temples, and can spread to the neck or shoulders. While they are generally not severe, some people experience a warning aura before they develop a migraine. They may experience blurred vision, double vision, or black spots before they feel the headache.
Many different causes can cause headaches, so it is essential to get a professional diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment. While most common headaches result from a virus, they can also be signs of a more serious condition. Severe headaches can be a sign of a stroke, or they may be caused by bleeding in the brain. It is always best to seek medical attention for any sudden severe headaches.
Causes
If you suffer from headaches, it is crucial to identify the cause of your pain. There are several causes of headaches, and each can be treated by a different healthcare professional. For example, some individuals suffer from migraine headaches. These headaches usually last 15 minutes to three hours and occur between one and eight times daily. In addition to pain, you may experience eyelid swelling, constrictive pupils, facial sweating, and a runny nose. Injuries to the neck and head can cause other headaches.
The most common causes of headaches occur inside the brain. This type of headache is called intracranial and results from dilation of the arterial blood vessels in the base of the brain. This dilation causes a temporary increase in the blood supply to the brain. Other causes of intracranial headaches include high blood pressure, fever, or "hangover." They can also be caused by tumours or inflammation of the arteries. Most people experience this type of headache suddenly and without warning. These episodes often last short periods and change with position or movement.
Treatment
Treatment for a headache can vary and include over-the-counter medications and prescription analgesics. Your doctor will determine the cause of your headache and what treatment is best for you. It is important to note that some headache medications and supplements can interact with each other or have other dangerous effects. Before starting a new treatment, consult your doctor about potential side effects and risks.
Biofeedback is an effective treatment for patients who cannot stop their headaches. This treatment involves monitoring the patient's brain activity to identify when a headache is coming. It also helps the patient focus on pain and reduces the severity of their symptoms. Patients are often encouraged to keep a headache diary that records the number of attacks, when they occur, possible triggers, and how they respond to the treatment they receive. Keeping a diary can help your doctor identify potential triggers and plan a more effective treatment.
Severity
Headaches are among the most common complaints that doctors receive from their patients. They can range in severity from a mild throbbing to incapacitating pain. Fortunately, the vast majority of headaches can be controlled and treated effectively. However, severe headaches can cause significant distress and disruption to daily life.
A recent study found that the severity of headaches varies among individuals. The study also considered differences in severity according to race, age, insurance coverage, and gender. The researchers found that a higher level of headache severity was associated with low mortality risk and was protective against a moderate risk of death.
Recurrence
The first step in treating your headache is to visit a doctor for an examination. They will ask about your symptoms and how often you experience them. Be as detailed as possible. List the causes of your headaches, things that make them worse, and what helps you get relief. It can also be helpful to keep a headache diary.
In severe cases, your headache can last for days or weeks. This is called a cluster headache. A specific trigger usually causes a cluster headache. These triggers can include cold, blinking lights, loud noises, or certain foods. You may experience nausea and sensitivity to light and sound during an attack.