It's not that bad!
Or: It'll pass! Or even: The Indian brave knows no pain! And
finally: I can't go to the doctor just for this!
Sounds familiar? Could it be you talking?
Of course, if everyone who has a headache now and again were
to "run to the doctor straight away", then the doctors'
waiting rooms would be full to overflowing. But nevertheless,
in Germany for example, over 70 per cent of the populations
complains of occasional headaches. That is just under 60 million
people. Most of them take tried and tested household remedies
or over-the-counter products such as Aspirin® which has
proved its worth millions of times over. The headache is then
usually quickly forgotten.
This is naturally an advantage to the already overstretched
healthcare system, but can often be a disadvantage to the
sufferer, because the headaches which he initially shrugged
off then become chronic and will be therefore more difficult
and take longer to treat.
In a survey of headache and migraine patients, 46 per cent
said that their doctor did not understand them and 31 per
cent that nothing could be done to help them. But it doesn't
have to be like this! This is why it is enormously important
for you to describe the characteristics of your headache and
the course it takes as precisely as possible to your doctor.
This gives you a much greater chance of obtaining the correct
diagnosis straight away and the appropriate successful treatment.
So before you go to your doctor, take time to answer the
following questions, which he will also ask you in a similar
form. It is advisable to write down the answers and take them
with you to your appointment. Then at least you will not forget
what you "really" wanted to tell the doctor.
 |
|
 |
Is this
the first time you have had headaches? Or have you had
them often before? If so, since when? |
 |
|
When did
you become aware of these headaches? After a head injury?
After physical exertion such as carrying a heavy shopping
bag or climbing the stairs? After a change in the weather?
After eating certain foods? In a stressful situation or
in a situation of emotional stress, e.g. after the loss
of a loved one? |
|
What
form do your headaches take: pressure or roaring, throbbing
or pulsating, stabbing or piercing? Is it more of a "sharp"
or a "dull" pain, or both together? |
|
Where
do these headaches occur? In your temples or at the back
of your head? More on the surface or deep inside? On only
one side of the head or both? Always in the same place
or varying? |
|
How
severe is the pain? Moderate, moderately severe, severe,
unbearable? |
|
Do
the headaches last long or are they more like episodic
attacks? |
|
Do
you also suffer from other symptoms which only occur together
with your headaches, e.g. nausea or retching and even
vomiting, visual and speech disturbances, dizziness, paralysis,
tinnitus, a runny nose or watering eyes? Are you particularly
sensitive to light and noise during your headaches? Do
you sleep poorly? |
|
Do
you have any other illnesses at the moment? Any problems
with your eyes or ears, inflammation of the frontal, maxillary
or paranasal sinuses, toothache, high blood pressure or
heart problems? |
|
Do
or did your parents or siblings suffer from frequent headaches?
What was the diagnosis? |
|
Have
you ever been treated for headaches before? What was the
treatment or medication? Was it successful?
Think about your answer to more "personal" questions
which your doctor will probably ask you: |
|
What
is your job? Do you spend much time at the PC? Do you
have to stand or sit for a long time? Do you feel stiff
and cramped in this position? |
|
Do
you have any problems at work or in your private life?
Are you under stress? Are you afraid of too much being
demanded of you or even of failing? |
|
Have
you recently become lacking in drive or enthusiasm, irritable
or even aggressive? |
|
Contact
|
Sitemap
|
Deutsch
