Headaches

in Brain Health, Health

See complete list of symptom flow charts

**The following is a general guideline from the American Medical Association. The flowchart below allows you to easily track your headache symptoms and come to a possible diagnosis. Be sure to consult with you doctor if you feel you have a serious medical problem.

I did not produce this chart myself, so any treatment options on this page are completely conventional. The following flowchart was reproduced with permission.

SYMPTOMS		DIAGNOSIS	SELF-CARE
Begin Here
1. Do you have a fever, cold symptoms, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?	Yes	You may have the FLU or a COLD or GASTROENTERITIS, the stomach flu.	Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use over-the-counter medicine to relieve cold and flu symptoms and for diarrhea.
No
2. Do you have a severe headache, stiff neck and vomiting, and does normal light hurt your eyes?	Yes	You may have MENINGITIS, a serious infection of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord, or INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE, bleeding inside the brain.	EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
No
3. Have you injured your head or been knocked out recently?	Yes	You may have a CONCUSSION, or a SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, a serious condition caused by blood pushing on your brain.	URGENT See your doctor right away.
No
4. Do you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs?	Yes	You may be having a STROKE.	EMERGENCY See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
No
5. Do you have pressure around your eyes, or do you have yellowish-green nasal discharge with a sore throat and a fever?	Yes	You may have a SINUS INFECTION.	Treat fever, headache and sore throat with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An over-the-counter decongestant and saline nasal spray may help relieve other symptoms. See your doctor if the pain becomes severe or your fever persists.
No
6. Do you have mild to moderate pain around your temples and does the pain occur during times of stress or after you have been sitting in one position for a long time?	Yes	You may have a TENSION HEADACHE.	Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. Getting plenty of rest, taking a hot shower and applying ice packs to painful areas may also help.
No
7. Do you have intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea or vomiting, and is the pain sometimes preceded by seeing flashing lights or spots?	Yes	You may suffer from MIGRAINE headaches.	See your doctor. He or she can diagnose your problem and may prescribe prescription medicine for migraines. In the meantime, use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain. You can also rest in a dark room and apply ice packs and gentle pressure to painful areas.
No
8. Do your headaches occur after you read, watch TV or use a computer?	Yes	Your headaches may be due to VISION PROBLEMS.	See an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam to see if you need glasses or contacts to correct your vision.
No
9. Do you get headaches and do you feel shaky and weak if you miss a meal?	Yes	Your headaches may be from HYPOGLYCEMIA, or low blood sugar.	See your doctor. You can also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large meals. This may regulate your blood sugar.
No
10. Are you trying to cut down on caffeine, alcohol or some other drug?	Yes	You may be suffering from WITHDRAWAL.	Use over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort. The symptoms should fade after a few days. Don’t restart your habit.
No
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

See complete list of symptom flow charts

This headache symptoms tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances.

Source: American Medical Association (2008-04-21). American Medical Association Family Medical Guide (AMA Family Medical Guide) (Kindle Locations 6690-6691). Turner Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition.