Table of contents:
- Recognize the different types of headaches
- This headache is a warning to see a doctor
- Medical tests to determine the cause of headaches
Headaches are a common complaint faced by almost everyone. Usually it does not indicate a critical condition. However, that does not mean you can underestimate it. In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of a health problem that requires you to see a doctor. To understand it further, consider the following review.
Recognize the different types of headaches
Before you know when to see a doctor, you should first identify the headache you feel.
Based on the cause, headaches are divided into two, namely primary and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches occur due to chemical activity in the brain, nerves or blood vessels, including:
- Headache tension (it hurts like the head is tied tight and tight)
- Migraine (recurring headaches, usually on one side of the head)
- Cluster headache (severe pain on one side of the head, accompanied by nasal discharge, red, watery eyes)
Meanwhile, secondary headaches, triggered by various other factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, or lack of sleep.
This headache is a warning to see a doctor
Headaches can usually be treated with home care. Starting from taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, hot compresses, resting, giving head massage, or relaxation therapy. Even though it's easy to deal with, that doesn't mean you can be nonchalant, "Ah, it's easy to get well later, too."
Headaches that appear can actually be a warning for you to immediately see a doctor.
Here are some signs that the headache you are facing needs to be examined further.
- Headaches do not get better, even to the point of disrupting activities.
- Recurrent headaches, as many as 3 times a day for no apparent cause.
- Headaches occur with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, neck pain, or difficulty maintaining balance.
- Have experienced trauma to the head or have other health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension).
Medical tests to determine the cause of headaches
Do not delay to see a doctor if the headache and the aforementioned signs happen to you. To find out the causes of headaches and overall health conditions, doctors can perform various medical tests, including:
- Physical test. The doctor will ask about various symptoms related to the headache you are experiencing, medical history, and lifestyle.
- Blood test. Follow-up tests to find out any infection in the body that might be causing headaches.
- CT scan. This test is done to see the picture of certain body parts that are problematic.
- MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging). This test aims to find a more detailed picture of the brain and spinal cord.
- EEG (electroencephalogram). This test is done to record electrical signals in the brain. Usually, this test is recommended if the headache occurs with seizures.
By checking with your doctor and knowing the cause of your headache, you can get the right treatment. The reason is, headaches that require further medical tests usually occur because of other diseases, such as:
- Viral and bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, flu, or ear infections.
- Problems in the brain, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain), strokes, aneurysms, and brain tumors.
- Other health problems, such as hypertension, glaucoma, thyroid disorders, and dehydration.
My advice, if indeed the headaches you experience interfere with your daily activities, you should immediately see a doctor.
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