When should one see a doctor for headaches?
January 7, 2023 | 120,00 EUR | answered by Laura Lauer
Dear Doctor,
My name is Hanna Ackermann and I am reaching out to you because I am suffering from severe headaches and am unsure when I should see a doctor about it. I have been experiencing regular headaches for several weeks now, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. They usually occur on one side and are exacerbated by stress or specific triggers such as loud noises. I have tried treating them with pain medication, but the pain keeps coming back.
I am concerned that the headaches may be indicative of a serious medical condition. I have read that they could be symptoms of migraines, cluster headaches, or even brain tumors. Therefore, I am wondering if it would be advisable to see a doctor to investigate the cause of my headaches. I am unsure whether I should just wait and see if the pain improves on its own, or if a doctor's visit is urgently needed.
Could you please tell me at what point it is advisable to see a doctor for headaches? Are there specific warning signs I should look out for that would justify an immediate visit to the doctor? What tests or examinations could be done to identify the cause of my headaches? I would greatly appreciate your assessment and advice.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Hanna Ackermann
Dear Hanna Ackermann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a general practitioner. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe headaches and are unsure when a doctor's visit is necessary. Headaches can indeed have various causes, from benign tension headaches to serious conditions. It is therefore important to interpret the symptoms correctly and seek medical advice if in doubt.
In your case, where the headaches have been occurring regularly for several weeks and are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, it is advisable to see a doctor. Especially if the pain is unilateral and exacerbated by certain triggers, they could indicate a form of primary headaches such as migraines. But other conditions such as cluster headaches or, rarely, brain tumors should also be considered.
Warning signs that warrant an immediate visit to the doctor include suddenly severe headaches accompanied by neurological deficits such as vision disturbances, speech impairments, paralysis, or alterations in consciousness. If you notice such symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.
To determine the cause of your headaches, your doctor may conduct various examinations. These may include a detailed medical history, where your symptoms, any pre-existing conditions, and potential triggers are carefully recorded. Additionally, a physical examination and a neurological assessment may be necessary to rule out any neurological causes.
Depending on the suspected diagnosis, further tests such as imaging of the head (e.g. an MRI or CT scan) or blood tests may be required. These are done to rule out organic causes such as brain tumors or inflammations.
Overall, I advise you to see a doctor promptly if you experience persistent or worsening headaches, especially if they are accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity, in order to determine the cause. An early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
I hope my information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have.
Best wishes,
Laura Lauer, General Practitioner
