“I Have A Headache”

This post is for people who are saying, “I have a headache”, with the assumption that this headache is not “normal” for them.

I would like to have a series of posts that will help people find help for their headaches – and this is the place to start if you’re experiencing new symptoms, or a change in symptoms.

That is:

• You “don’t get headaches”, but you have one now.
• You’ve just noticed that your headaches are getting worse.
• This is your “worse headache ever”.
• Your symptoms have changed. For example, you’ve had headaches before, but this time you’re sick to your stomach. Or the pain is in a new location. And so on.

I have a headache – what should I do?

1. Recognize that this is not “normal”. Yes, I know that many people get headaches. Perhaps headaches are common in your family. Maybe you’re under stress, or going through hormonal changes, and someone tells you that it’s not surprising that you have a headache. I know that even some doctors (sadly) brush off patients with headaches, and don’t take them seriously. Set all of that aside. Headaches are not normal, you should not “just live with them”.
2. See a doctor or specialist right away. This is very important. I know that there’s no point in running to the doctor every time one has a headache. But remember – this advice is for people who have a new, different, or “worst-ever” headache. If it’s a severe and new headache, that can be a medical emergency – get to a doctor now. Worsening or changing headaches can also be a sign of something serious. Even a mild headache, when you “never get headaches”, is something that should be checked out as soon as possible.
3. Do not take someone else’s prescription medication. We’ll talk more about medications later, but it’s very important not to assume that you have such-and-such a headache, just like Aunt Sherry, and so you just just take one of the pills she offers you. Many medications today are specific to the headache condition of a certain person, and that includes the dose they’re taking.
4. Don’t panic. It can be easy to think the worst, especially when a severe headache comes out of nowhere. I assume you’re following my advice on #2 – if not, get to the doctor! But now that you’re on your way, remember that there are some great treatments and most of the time you’ll be able to find some help.

At the Doctor’s Office with a Headache

A doctor’s response can be confusing or concerning when you’re visiting with a new headache. So here are a few things to remember:

• Most doctors do want to help you. Many have suffered from headaches themselves – in fact, there are many specialists (often neurologists) who entered the field because of their own experience with headache. Just because a doctor doesn’t give you the answers you were hoping for, or doesn’t spend the time with you that you wanted, or doesn’t have the best bedside manner, doesn’t mean that they don’t care.
• You don’t necessarily need 57 tests right now. If your doctor does send you home with some painkillers, don’t assume that they’re just brushing you off. From their training and experience, they may feel that it’s best to try this first and wait a bit. As time goes by, the situation may be different. But even a serious ongoing headache does not necessarily mean, for example, that you need your head scanned.
• Signs that you need a second opinion: That being said, sadly, some doctors are simply not in the right field. Or they’re having a bad day. Or they’re not educated when it comes to headache. If you’re told something like “women just get headaches” or “it’s probably stress”, and the doctor has no interest in exploring treatment or seeing you again – find another doctor, preferably a specialist.
• You are the expert! All right, you don’t have the medical training of your doctor – that’s why you went to their office, or to emergency. But you are the expert of your own body. If you leave the doctor and still have a nagging feeling that you need another opinion – get one now. If your doctor doesn’t seem to understand just how bad the pain is – make it clear. Watch for other symptoms. Watch for changes. No matter how good a doctor is, they don’t know how you’re feeling as well as you do. That feeling you have, that you can’t even express in words – don’t ignore it. And don’t let anyone tell you to do so.

That’s enough to cover regarding that first visit to the doctor. There’s a lot of information to explore here at Headache and Migraine News – go ahead and look around!