Headache - Warning signs

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by MSc Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong - Doctor of Neurology, Department of General Internal Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Headache is the most common symptom in life. Each of us has had a headache at least a few times in our lives, and most people have headaches more than once. A headache doesn't always prompt you to see a doctor, as most mild headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle changes, or rest.
However, in some cases, headaches can be a warning sign of a dangerous underlying medical condition, and if not treated promptly, can have serious consequences.

1. Types of headaches

Headaches are divided into 3 groups:
Primary headaches: are headaches that occur due to dysfunction or overactivity of pain-sensitive structures in the head, not related to an underlying disease. The most common types are migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headache: is a headache caused by anatomical damage or infection in the head and neck area. There are many causes of secondary headaches, ranging from gingivitis, sinusitis to potentially life-threatening conditions such as temporal arteritis, cerebral hemorrhage, encephalitis - meningitis, or brain tumor. . Cranial neuralgia, facial pain and other headaches

2. Warning signs of dangerous headaches

If you have any of the following signs, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible:
Headaches that first started after age 50. Change in the nature or pattern of headaches compared to before. Unusually severe headache. Headache increases with coughing or with exercise. The headache is getting worse day by day. Headache with changes in personality, behavior, or mental function. Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, memory loss, decreased alertness, or neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness in limbs, convulsions, visual disturbances... red eyes. Headache accompanied by pain and increased pain sensitivity in the temporal region. Headache after being hit in the head. Headaches occur in people with cancer or immunodeficiency. To be able to accurately diagnose the cause of a headache, in addition to taking a thorough history, the nature of the headache, the doctor needs a comprehensive neurological examination, and depending on the case, will appoint the necessary tests. such as CT/cranial magnetic resonance imaging, eye exam, ophthalmoscopy, or blood test.
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