Official Google Blog: How do you know you're getting the best care possible?

Official Google Blog: [Migraine Symptom] - How do you know you're having migraine and not just the normal headache that just last for minutes?

Like most people, you must have experienced at least a mild headache occasionally. And, like most people, you probably don't run to your doctor with complains of minor headache that disappears within a short time. In most cases, mild headache can be easily eased with over-the-counter pain-killers or a few moments of relaxation.
However, unfortunately for millions of Americans, headaches became a medical problem. Over-the-counter medications don't seem to work very well or sometimes not at all. Still many people are not willing to admit that their headaches are causing them serious problem even when headache pain is severe or disabling. After all, the old belief that headaches are purely psychological is a difficult one to put to rest.

There are some warning signs. The term headache, as discussed previously, describes almost any pain that occurs in the head. There are many types of headaches because there are so many possible causes of head pain.
There are two common reasons why people feel they should seek medical care for headache. Either they fear the headache is caused by a serious underlying condition, or the headache prevents them from functioning normally and participating in work, family and social activities. For either reason, seeing the doctor is the correct course of action.

Fortunately, most headaches, although painful and sometimes disabling, aren't life-threatening and are treatable. A doctor's diagnosis is an essential first step for treatment to begin.

There are certain developments that indicate potential problems if you have recurrent headaches. Consider contacting your doctor if you notice any of the following patterns forming:

1) You usually have three or more headaches per week.
2) You must take a pain reliever every day or almost daily for your headaches.
3) You feel that you need more than the recommended doses of over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.
Some headaches symptoms may signal the need for more prompt medical attention. You should plan to see your doctor if you experience any of the following:

1) Your headaches keep getting worse and won't go away.
2) The severity, duration and frequency of your headaches have increased noticeably.
3) You develop persistent headaches after being relatively headache-free in the past.
4) Your headaches are triggered by coughing, bending, physical exertion or sexual activity.
5) Your headaches started following trauma to your head.
6) Your headaches began after age 50.

Some types of headache may warn of more sinister disorders and call for prompt medical care. Rare but serious causes of headache include brain tumor, stroke, aneurysm, temporal arteritis, meningitis and encephalitis.

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