HEADACHE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

Pain or discomfort of the scalp or forehead areas
The face and ears are excluded

Common Causes

During the course of a year, the majority of adults suffer headaches.
Muscle Tension Headaches: The majority of headaches are caused by muscle tension. The discomfort is usually diffuse and may radiate down into the neck and shoulders. The discomfort is aggravated by emotional stress.
Migraine Headaches: Also referred to as vascular headaches. The headache is moderate to severe in intensity, described as throbbing or pulsing in nature, and usually unilateral. Associated symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Some individuals will have visual warning symptoms (aura) that a migraine is coming.
Sinusitis: Headaches occur with sinusitis. The headache is usually located in the forehead area and the individual has associated sinus symptoms (nasal discharge, congestion).
Fever: A mild to moderate headache frequently accompanies the fever that occurs with common viral infections such as the flu and the common cold. A severe headache that persists after the fever has come down to normal is a red flag that something more serious may be causing the headache.
Caffeine Withdrawal: This occurs in individuals who drink large amounts of caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, colas) and suddenly stop. Some caffeine drinkers will note a headache upon arising that goes away after their first cup of coffee.

Some Serious Causes of Headache

Stroke ("Brain Attack")
Meningitis, encephalitis
Temporal arteritis
Brain tumor
Carbon monoxide exposure

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

Headache followed a head injury, see HEAD INJURY
SINUS PAIN AND CONGESTION

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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