There’s one major headache-related disorder that has been getting much more press since the Katrina hurricane disaster in the USA. What is it? PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder.
Many of us are familiar with the more obvious symptoms of this disorder – denial and trying to avoid certain memories, flashbacks and dreams, becoming detached emotionally. But there are also physical symptoms you can watch out for:
- insomnia
- increased blood pressure
- rapid heart rate or breathing
- headache
- diarrhoea
- nausea
Often these symptoms go unnoticed, because they don’t occur right away. Many people are in shock after Katrina, for example, and they may not actually get PTSD for another 6 months. When that headache starts, many people won’t even know what it’s from. Sometimes people don’t realize how much stress an even has caused them. It doesn’t take a hurricane to bring trauma into our lives.
The Mayo Clinic has some advice about when to get help from a doctor. Although it’s normal to go through feelings that are difficult to deal with, if you find symptoms like these lasting for more than a month, or if you find these feelings getting out of control, see your doctor. Read more about post traumatic stress disorder at the Mayo Clinic website.
Remember, if you have a new headache or the symptoms change or get much worse, you should talk to your doctor right away.
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