HOW TO USE THIS SECTION
67
SPECIAL BOXES
• Red danger signs and warning boxes alert you to situations in
which emergency medical help may save a life. These boxes highlight advice that applies in particular medical circumstances.
• Blue information panels tell you how to gather the information
you need to answer the questions in the chart.
! Danger signs
! Recurring attacks of vertigo
If you have been experiencing attacks of vertigo, it is very important to avoid certain activities that are potentially hazardous to you and to other people. You should not climb ladders or steep flights of stairs, operate machinery,
Checking a red rash
Safe alcohol limits
One unit of alcohol equals half a pint of beer, a small glass of wine or sherry, or one measure of hard liquor.
• The maximum recommended limit for men
is 3 units a day.
• The maximum recommended limit for
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Acute glaucoma( a painful, rapid rise in fluid pressure in the eye) is a possibility, particularly if the pain is around your eye.
Where is the pain?
Over one or both temples
Elsewhere
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have temporal arteritis( inflammation of blood vessels in the head), particularly if you are over 50 and are not feeling well.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your symptoms may be side effects of the medication.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines
but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
Are you taking any medication?
Medication
No medication
Have you had this type of headache before?
Yes
HEADACHE 85
ACTION PANELS
At the end of every pathway you will find a possible diagnosis, advice on what to do, and whether or not you need to seek medical help. There are five possible levels of attention, ranging from DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS, for the most serious conditions, to TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES, for minor complaints. It is important to note, however, that even apparently minor complaints should receive medical attention when they occur in the elderly or in people who are undergoing cancer treatment.
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
!
Dial 911 or call EMS for the emergency services. If there is a delay in obtaining an ambulance, go to the hospital by car.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW
Contact the doctor, day or night, by telephone. Dial 911 or call EMS if you fail to make contact within 1 hour.
No
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your headache from this chart.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR A recurrent headache for which there is no obvious cause, such as drinking too much alcohol, should always be investigated fully by your doctor.
Possible cause not identified If your symptoms do not suggest a diagnosis, the chart recommends that you see a doctor.
It is important that the symptoms are assessed by a doctor within 24 hours of their onset.
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES
The condition may require medical treatment, but a reasonable delay is unlikely to lead to problems.
For minor infections, such as a sore throat or runny nose, use self-help measures, first aid, or over-thecounter remedies to relieve discomfort. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure whether a remedy is suitable and read the manufacturer’ s instructions before taking medication.