Headaches: When to consult your doctor?

Headaches are a common concern for many individuals.

When you experience a headache and turn to the internet for answers, you might be overwhelmed by the search results that mention brain tumors, strokes, or brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis.

However, the truth is that most headache sufferers don't have these serious conditions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective headache management and treatment.

Types of Headache:

Two main types of headaches are Primary and Secondary.

Primary Headaches are those not associated with any underlying brain disease. They include tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and medication overuse headaches, among others.

Secondary Headaches are a result of an underlying brain disease. This category includes headaches caused by conditions such as brain hemorrhage, brain cancer, and brain infections like meningitis.

Identifying certain symptoms, often referred to as "Red Flags of Headache," can indicate that a patient might have a headache related to a brain disease. If a headache sufferer experiences any of the following red flag symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly:

1. Vomiting
2. Blurring of Vision (Difficulty seeing clearly even with glasses).
3. Weakness or Numbness in an arm, leg, or one side of the body. 
   • Weakness in the arm means difficulty in raising it or decreased hand grip. 
   • Weakness in the legs implies an inability to bear weight equally on both legs, without experiencing pain. 
   • Numbness manifest as pins and needles sensations or an inability to feel pain or temperature changes.
4. Change in the Character or Quality of Headache: 
   • If your usual stress or work-related headache suddenly changes in nature or quality, consider it a red flag.
5. Sudden Onset Headache: A headache that feels like a sudden explosion inside your head, especially when you were previously comfortable, could be a sign of bleeding inside the brain.

In summary, if you experience any ONE of these red flag symptoms alongside a headache, it's crucial to consult a doctor immediately.

Remember, understanding the nature of your headache is the first step towards effective management and relief.

For individuals seeking the best neurologist in Lahore for their headache concerns, Dr Imad is here to help. He specializes in diagnosing and treating various neurological conditions, ensuring you receive the care you need.