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Sign
and Symptoms:
Tension
or Muscular Headaches
- A
dull ache
in your forehead,
above your
ears, or
at the back
of your head
- Pain
in your neck
or shoulders
that travels
to your head
Migraine
Headaches
- Headaches
that start
on one side
of your head
and one side
of your head
hurts more
than the
other
- You
feel sick
to your stomach
or vomit.
- You
see spots
or zigzag
flashes of
light before
the headache.
- Light
hurts your
eyes, noise
bothers you,
and the headache
is worse
with activity.
Sinus
Headaches
- Pain
in the forehead,
checkbones,
and nose
that is worse
in the morning
- Increased
pain when
you bend
over or touch
- Stuffy
nose
[Go
to Self-Care
Prevention]
Still
not sure? Ask
yourself with
these questions.
1.
Is the headache
associated with
any of the following?
- A
head injury
- A
blow to the
head that
causes severe
pain, enlarged
pupils, vomiting,
confusion,
or lethargy
- Loss
of consciousness
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
get immediate
care.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
2.
Has the headache
come on suddenly
and does it hurt
much more than
others you have
had?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
get immediate
care.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
3.
Does a severe,
persistent headache
occur with any
of the following
signs and symptoms
of meningitis?
- Stiff
neck (can't
bend the head
forward to
touch the chin
to the chest)
- Red
or purple rash
that doesn't
fade when pressure
is applied
to the skin
- Seizure
- Lethargy
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
get immediate
care.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
4.
Has the headache
been occuring
for more than
2 to 3 days and
does it keep
increasing in
frequency and
intensity?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
5.
Do you have signs
and symptoms
of a migrane
headache?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
6.
Is the headache
not relieved
by over-the-counter
pain relievers
and does it occur
with any signs
and symptoms
of a sinus
infection?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
7.
Has the headache
occured at the
same time of
day, week, or
month, such as
with a menstrual
period and is
it not relieved
by over-the-counter
pain relievers?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
8.
Do you have to
take a pain reliever
more than 3 times
for headaches?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on
to the next
question.
9.
Have you noticed
the headache
only after taking
newly prescribed
or over-the-counter
medicines?
If yes to
one of these
symptoms described
above, please
see your doctor.
If no to
all questions,
use self-care
prevention.
Self-Care
Prevention
- Take
an
over-the-counter
medicine
for
pain
as
directed
on
the
label.
- Rest
in
a quiet,
dark
room
with
your
eyes
closed.
- Massage
the
back
of
your
neck
with
your
thumbs.
Work
from
the
ears
toward
the
center
of
the
back of
your
head.
Also,
rub
gently
along
the
sides
of
your
eyes.
Gently
rub
your
shoulders,
neck,
and
jaw. Get
a massage.
- Take
a warm
bath
or
shower.
- Place
a cold
or
warm
washcloth,
whichever
feels
better,
over
the
area
that
aches.
- Relax.
Picture
a calm
scene
in
your
head.
Meditate
or
breathe
deeply.
- Avoid
things
that
seem
to
bring
on
headaches.
- Don't
grind
your
teeth.
- For
a hangover.
After
drinking
alcohol,
have
2 or
more
glasses
of
water
before
you
go
to
sleep;
take
an
over-the-counter pain
reliever,
eat
solid
foods;
rest
or
sleep.
Drink
2 or
more
glasses
of
water
when
you
wake
up.
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