Headaches

There are many causes for headaches, which are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Follow this chart for more information.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS		SELF-CARE
1. Do you have a fever, cold symptoms, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?		You may have the FLU or a COLD or GASTROENTERITIS, the stomach flu.		Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use over-the-counter medicine to relieve cold and flu symptoms and for diarrhea.
2. Do you have a severe headache, stiff neck and vomiting, and does normal light hurt your eyes?		You may have MENINGITIS, a serious infection of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord, or INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE, bleeding inside the brain.		EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
3. Have you injured your head or been knocked out recently?		You may have a CONCUSSION, or a SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, a serious condition caused by blood pushing on your brain.		URGENT See your doctor right away.
4. Do you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs?		You may be having a STROKE .		EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
5. Do you have pressure around your eyes, or do you have yellowish-green nasal discharge with a sore throat and a fever?		You may have a SINUS INFECTION.		Treat fever, headache and sore throat with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An over-the-counter decongestant and saline nasal spray may help relieve other symptoms. See your doctor if the pain becomes severe or your fever persists.
6. Do you have mild to moderate pain around your temples and does the pain occur during times of stress or after you have been sitting in one position for a long time?		You may have a TENSION HEADACHE.		Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. Getting plenty of rest, taking a hot shower and applying ice packs to painful areas may also help.
7. Do you have intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea or vomiting, and is the pain sometimes preceded by seeing flashing lights or spots?		You may suffer from MIGRAINE headaches.		See your doctor. He or she can diagnose your problem and may prescribe prescription medicine for migraines. In the meantime, use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. You can also rest in a dark room and apply ice packs and gentle pressure to painful areas.
8. Do your headaches occur after you read, watch TV or use a computer?		Your headaches may be due to VISION PROBLEMS.		See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam to see if you need glasses or contacts to correct your vision.
9. Do you get headaches and do you feel shaky and weak if you miss a meal?		Your headaches may be from HYPOGLYCEMIA, or low blood sugar.		See your doctor. You can also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large meals. This may regulate your blood sugar.
10. Are you trying to cut down on caffeine, alcohol or some other drug?		You may be suffering from WITHDRAWAL.		Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort. The symptoms should fade after a few days. Don't restart your habit.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.