National Headache Awareness Week
June 6 - 12
When should you see a Physician for Your Headache?
There are times
when headaches or uncharacteristic migraine symptoms are indications of
something that needs medical attention. Some individuals are reluctant
to call their doctors or go to an Emergency Department because they
don't want to arrive only to learn that nothing out of the ordinary is
wrong. Please, don't be concerned about that; get medical attention if
you think you fit the following criteria.
You have more than the occasional headache
Your headaches are severe or come on quickly
Your headache is accompanied by any of the following:
(And you have not discussed these symptoms with your doctor before)
ο Confusion
ο Dizziness
ο Fever
ο Numbness
ο Persistent vomiting
ο Shortness of breath
ο Slurred speech
ο Stiff neck
ο Unpredicted symptoms affecting your ears, nose, throat pr eyes
ο Unrelenting diarrhea
ο Vision loss
ο Weakness
Your have a headache that persists, and continues to get worse or won't stop
Your headaches interfere with your normal activities of daily life
You find yourself taking pain relievers more than two days a week
You take over-the-counter medications for headache relief but the recommended dosage is not adequate
Coughing, sneezing, bending over, exercise or sexual activity cause headaches
You have headaches that continue and that began after a head injury, or other trauma
The characteristics of your headaches change
The symptoms of your migraine attacks change
