SolveYourProblem Article Series: Headache Causes, Treatments & Relief
Help, My Headache Is Killing Me!

What Do Unusual Headaches Mean?

The majority of headaches are the result of very common issues. However, from time to time there is the possibility that a headache is symptomatic of something far more serious.

Some examples of health concerns include seriously high blood pressure, brain tumors, subdural hematomas, meningitis, or strokes.

Some indications that should signal the need to seek prompt medical attention are: abrupt, jarring head pain, (some describe this as a 'thunderclap' in the brain) a headache that appears or worsens after a head injury, or a headache that seems to worsen if you happen to move or exert yourself suddenly. Even if you are used to bad headaches - if one seems unusual - something you've never experienced before - then it is a good idea to investigate further help. This is especially true if it continues to worsen over a twenty-four hour period.

If a headache comes with symptoms such as fever, seizures, stiff neck, double vision, weakness, loss of balance, confusion, or difficulty speaking this is may be indicative of serious illness. There should be no hesitation about seeking out professional help.

And if a headache is so bad that it wakes you up from sleep this is another indicator of something beyond the usual type of head pain.

It will happen that if a doctor suspects that there is a serious underlying problem he may order an MRI which uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to make a detailed cross sectional view of the brain. This can help reveal tumors, incidences of strokes, aneurysms, or other abnormalities and allow a doctor to act quickly to provide the needed treatment.

Another instrument that is often used is computerized tomography. This uses computer controlled x-rays to provide a cross sectional look of the brain that will help spot infections or tumors as well. An electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures brain wave activity may be used to help determine that there is an interfering problem but it is not used to confirm the exact cause of a headache.

Blood tests may be given in order to determine if the headaches stem from a possible thyroid condition or if the person is anemic. Both of which can result in the symptom of bad headaches. Eye exams can help determine if there is an issue if the muscles are weakened or if the pupil size does not match. And a spinal tap may be recommended if your doctor suspects meningitis.

Though the specter of these conditions may certainly cause concern it is good to remember that the vast majority of headaches stem from far less severe reasons. Given that we work and live in an environment that seems to be getting more polluted and stressful with time it is likely that the incidences of headaches will continue to rise as they have greatly over recent years.

We can be confident however, that researchers continue to devote much time and effort to achieve a better understanding of this health issue and finding successful ways of treating it.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2009

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