Headaches can be caused by a great variety of issues. Mostly they are tension type headaches or migraine headaches. These headaches can appear severe but in reality to not represent a medical emergency that is life threatening. Tension type headaches and migraine headaches can be debilitating none the less. They can affect some one at any time and lead to a since of dread once experienced for the first time. Headaches can also mimic severe neurological processes such as strokes, tumors, or possible brain infections. That is why it is so crucial to contact a medical professional in all cases in order to rule out a true emergency. The brain, unlike many other organs, does not regenerate. That is why if you have any loss in brain function it must be cause right away, or else the risk of permanent loss of ability will be high. If you are experiencing pain the be sure to contact our medical professionals for consultation.
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Non-emergency
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Tension type headaches are a very common cause of headache that can happen to anyone at any time. Tension type headaches happen to any one who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. It is a headache in which there is no documented and research verified cause. This makes it difficult to treat in many cases. Tension headaches tend to be present on both sides of the forehead in a band like pattern that can cause hours maybe even a days worth of pain. It is typically treated with NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) and tylenol.
Migraine Headaches: These headaches are more severe than tension type headaches and tend to be present at a very young age. The also have a tendency to be hereditary/familial and can be present in your immediate family members as well. There is a culmination of symptoms such as one sided or two sided location of the headache. Migraine headaches can come with a premonition such as visual aura complete with shapes and squiggly lines in your vision followed by severe headache. Migraine headaches can also mimic strokes in that they can cause one sided weakness, numbness or tingling. This is why it is so important to get the consultation of a medical professional when experiencing headaches because emergency headache and non-emergency symptoms overlap. If you are having a headache then contact our medical professionals today. |
Emergency
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Strokes are an emergency that can cause a headache due to inflammatory brain swelling. A stroke is the caused by the blockage of flow to an artery in the brain. It is very similar to a heart attack in that aspect. By blocking the flow an artery in the brain we effectively stop oxygen flow to that area of the brain and cause a form of brain suffocation. That part of the brain effectively dies and can cause inflammation due to severe irritation which leads to headache. Strokes are permanent unless intervened on in the emergency setting and require treatment in the emergency room. They are a severe cause of headache and need prompt evaluation. Delays in evaluation will lead in permanent neurological damage and possibly even coma.
Brain Aneurysms: This is an uncommon cause of headache but a deadly cause nonetheless. Brain aneurysms are the result of a outpouching created in an artery due to wear and tear throughout a persons lifetime. This can ultimately rupture and cause bleeding in the brain. Blood in the brain that is free flowing and not contained in an artery is a severe irritant and coma and death could be evident if neurosurgical consultation is done in a prompt manner. If you are having severe headaches then it is imperative that you contact an emergency specialist immediately. |