HEADACHE 85
How is your vision?
Blurred vision
Disturbed in other ways
Unchanged
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.
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.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You have probably a migraine, particularly if any visual problems occurred before the headache. However, the slight chance of a more serious disorder, such as a stroke, needs to be ruled out if this is your first migraine.
• Take an analgesic and sips of water.
• Rest in a darkened, quiet room until the pain subsides.
If you have had any previous attacks, try to identify and avoid potential triggers, such as chocolate.
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.
Are you taking any medication?
Medication
No medication
Have you had this type of headache before?
Yes
Does either of the following apply?
The pain is felt chiefly in the areas above and below the eyes
You have recently had a runny or stuffy nose
Neither
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your headache from this chart.
No
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.