UHAM098

Checklist

This list is intended to help you to determine the type of headache you are likely to be experiencing. It has been checked and agreed by a doctor who specialises in headaches and migraines; however, it is not intended to replace a doctor’s diagnosis, which you are strongly advised to seek as a matter of course. Remember that if a headache is unusually severe, or has lasted a long time (morę than a day or two), or is the result of an injury such as a blow to the head, see a doctor immediately. Do not forget that if your headache is very strong, or you are dizzy or very sensitive to light, do not drive. Find some other way to see the doctor. Get a friend or partner to take you, or even ask your doctor to cali.

The checklist works on a majority basis. Work through all of the sections, ticking boxes where the statement applies to you. When done, look back over the whole list. You ought to have ticked morę boxes in one section than in any other. If that is true, then you probably have the headache type listed in that category. If you have a eąual number of ticks in two categories, then it is possible that you actually do have morę than one kind of headache affecting you. This is exactly why you need to speak with your doctor.

Tension-type headache

Itfeels likethere is a tightband aroundmy head.    □

My neck or shoulders hurt, and my neck is stiff when I move.    □

If I feel around, I can often find a sore spot on the side of my head, near □ the tempie.

The headache is constant.    □

The headache can get worse if I bend down or push on the toilet.    □

My temperaturę is normal.    □

Chronić headache

You will probably experience the symptoms listed under tension-type headaches, but:

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