Heads Up on Headaches
June 3 – 9 Is National Headache Awareness Week
Many people are reluctant about seeing their personal physician or visiting an Emergency Room when they have an intense headache. But if you have more than an occasional headache or if the headache develops very quickly and produces severe pain, you should see a physician. Other symptoms that require medical attention include a headache that won’t go away (especially if it lasts more than 72 hours with less than four hours of pain relief). Always seek medical help if you have headaches after suffering a head injury or trauma, if over-the- counter medications are not effective, or if you experience any of the following during a headache:
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Numbness
• Persistent vomiting
• Loss of vision or consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Stiff neck
FACT: Almost 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches and 14 million of these people have NOT been diagnosed. If you think you might be among them, contact your doctor.
Words: 162