$Unique_ID{BRK00750}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{How Do Doctors Tell One Type of Headache From the Other?}
$Subject{headaches types}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Do Doctors Tell One Type of Headache From the Other?


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QUESTION:  I know that headaches are common and frequent complaints that
doctors must here many times a day.  However I know that there are times when
the diagnosis is more serious.  How do doctors tell one type from the other?
I think that this information would be helpful for anyone to know.

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ANSWER:  This is a very good question, and I agree that such information could
be helpful to many people.  Here are a few clues.  If the patient complaining
of the headache looks sick, I think they deserve a careful examination for
other signs that may lead to a diagnosis.  By the same reasoning any other
abnormal signs, changes in their walk, muscle strength size of their pupils,
or other neurological signs may mean the headache is not a simple one.  If the
patient also appears drowsy or confused, the headache may be a sign of serious
infection, particularly those that take place with in the skull.  The same is
true of headaches associated with a fever, which while they may be but he sign
of an oncoming common viral infection, can also be the signs of a serious
infection such as meningitis.  This may also cause the neck to become stiff,
so I always check to be sure the patient can lower their chin to their chest
and conduct other tests to be sure the neck is perfectly supple.  Some
headaches are provoked by blood leaking in to the brain from aneurysms (a
ballooning out of the artery due to weakness in the wall of the vessel) and
these must be treated as promptly as possible.  One sign is when a headache
has started during exercise or exertion.  Such patient must be carefully
examined.  Another headache that must be taken seriously is the "first"
headache in an adult patient.  When this occurs, it too may be the sign of a
leaking aneurysm.  Remember, however, most headaches are benign, and pass
over, with rest and analgesics, and don't require intensive care.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
