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When to See a Doctor for
Your Headaches
Your headaches... is it time to go to the doctor?
First the good news...there's no need to run to the doctor every time you have a headache. Almost all headaches - about 90% of them - are not caused by a serious disorder and can be treated effectively with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, along or in combination with rest, ice packs or a variety of relaxation techniques. However, there are certain symptoms that should be regarded as red flags and should cause you to seek medical attention. This article will help you determine if a call to the doctor is in order.
In general, there are 2 reasons to consults a doctor:
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If headaches are affecting your quality of life. According to Dr. Fred Sheftell, Director of the New England Center for Headache and co-author of "Conquering Headache" (Empowering Press, 1995), the general rule is that you should see a doctor if headache is interfering with family or friends—or your ability to work or study—or if pain is preventing you from enjoying life. There may be prescription mediations or other, non-drug treatments that can offer relief or help decrease the frequency of your headaches.
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If you aren't getting sufficient relief from OTC pain medications within the limits of recommended doses. This is another sign that medical attention may be beneficial.
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Taking an excessive amount of these medications may cause them to cease to be effective for you. In some cases, "too much of a good thing" may even become part of the problem.
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You may have undiagnosed migraine or cluster headaches that warrant prescription medications instead of, or in addition to, your regular pain reliever. Or your headaches may be caused by a more serious medical condition (see symptoms in the next paragraph) and will not respond to an OTC pain reliever.
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You may need to resolve an underlying emotional issue such as depression, anxiety or anger before your headaches can be managed.
A trained headache specialist can diagnose your particular type of headache and prescribe the correct treatment.
Some conditions that are more serious require immediate medical attention. Headaches experts recommend that you consult a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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Headache that occurs 3 or more times per week.
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Sudden onset or very severe head pain, especially if you were previously pain free.
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Headache you would describe as the worst you've ever had.
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Headache that worsens over a period of weeks or months.
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Headache following a head or neck injury.
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Headache that began after age 50.
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Headache accompanied by blurred vision or slurred speech, numbness, weakness or loss of feeling in a limb.
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Headache accompanied by confusion or drowsiness.
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Headache accompanied by fever, nausea, shortness of breath or vomiting, and/or unexpected symptoms that affect your eyes, ears, nose or throat.
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Headache that is precipitated by exertion such as exercise, coughing, sneezing or bending over.
You should also see a doctor if you take a pain reliever everyday or almost everyday, or you take more than the recommended dose of OTC headache medicines for relief.
How to choose a doctor. Not all doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating headaches. To find one who is, ask you family doctor or contact the best-regarded hospital (generally a teaching hospital) in your area for a referral.
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