Headache

headache as a symptom

As a general symptom, headaches are a non-specific sign of the disease . By far the most common type of headache is a tension headache. Headaches can also appear as migraines, cluster headaches, or medication-induced headaches. In total there are over 200 different types of headaches .

Women are slightly more likely to get headaches than men. The headache can start suddenly or gradually . The pain can be strong or weak and take many different forms . For example, it can feel dull, tugging, or stabbing.

Possible accompanying symptoms of headaches are:

• Sensitivity to light and noise
• visual disturbances
• nausea and vomiting
• Depressive moods

Causes of Headaches

In so-called primary headaches , the pain itself is the disease. In the case of secondary headaches , the headache is caused by another disease.

Primary headaches include:

• migraine
• tension headache
• Trigeminal autonomic headaches, e.g. B. Cluster headaches

Possible causes of secondary headaches include:

• Head injuries or injuries to the cervical spine
• Vascular disorders in the head or neck area, e.g. B. Aneurysm
• Disorders in the skull or in the brain
• Substance use or withdrawal, e.g. B. Alcohol consumption
• infections, e.g. B. Cold
• Sunstroke or heat exhaustion
• Disturbance of a balance in the body, e.g. B. by fasting
• Disorders of structures in the head or neck, e.g. B. Sinus infection
• Psychiatric Disorders

In addition, disorders of the peripheral nervous system and facial pain can also cause headaches.

Diagnosis of headache

At the beginning of the search for a cause of a headache is the anamnesis : The doctor will question you comprehensively and also include any previous illnesses or family predispositions. Depending on the course of this survey, very different examinations may then be indicated: from neurological checks to blood analyzes to imaging procedures such as e.g. B. X- ray or MRI .

Useful: A headache diary

Keeping a headache diary can make it easier for the doctor to find the cause of your headache. It is best to note the day, time, place, duration and intensity of your pain, the latter on a scale from 1 to 10. Any accompanying symptoms should also not be missing.

If possible, also note what you ate, how you slept and, if you are a woman, whether you have your period. If you have taken headache pills, you should also make a note of this, as well as possible pain triggers such as stress or alcohol.

You can do this yourself if you have a headache

It doesn’t always have to be to grab a headache pill. There is a lot you can do to reduce or prevent headaches from occurring. The following has proved its worth many times over :

• stress reduction, e.g. B. through relaxation exercises
• sports and exercise
• Sufficient sleep
• Healthy eating
• Regular meals
• Drink a lot (water, tea, juice spritzer)
• Abstinence from nicotine and alcohol
• Enough fresh air

Of course you can also buy headache tablets in the pharmacy. However, you should dose this carefully (see package insert) and not take it more than 10 days a month .

Treatment options for headaches

Headache treatment depends on the type of headache and its individual cause . In addition, the pain intensity plays a decisive role. Both drug and non-drug forms of treatment are also used in professional headache therapy led by a doctor. In rare cases, an operation may also be necessary.

When to seek help for headaches

If you suddenly get a very bad headache, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately , especially if you have visual, hearing, speech or motor impairments at the same time. You should also call the emergency doctor without hesitation if you have a headache in connection with confusion or a clouded consciousness. Otherwise, you should contact a doctor promptly in the following headache cases :

• Your headache increases over several weeks.
• You feel light-headed or sluggish after a blow to the head.
• You have a headache associated with a neurological condition.
• You have a headache associated with dizziness or confusion.
• You have a headache associated with fever, nausea, or vomiting.
• You have a headache that you have never experienced in this form before.
• The headache occurs after a head injury or concussion.

This is how Med-Healths can help with headaches

During an online consultation about Med-Healths, the doctor is trying to find out what kind of headache you have. If necessary, he will prescribe you headache pills and advise you on how to proceed so that your headache disappears quickly. If necessary, he will refer you to a further examination or issue you a sick note.

Danger! If you suddenly get a very severe headache and symptoms such as nausea, stiff neck or drowsiness, do not hesitate to call the emergency services!