Dear Doctor,

I have been having severe headaches in the last few months. They are searing pains in my head and I think it relates to my eyes. My general practitioner has done numerous tests but cannot seem to find the source of the pain. Please help me!

Dear Concerned,

In order to be able to help you most effectively, it is very important for me to know specifically what symptoms you are experiencing.

Headaches can come from multiple sources. They can be localized or contained, sharp or dull, prolonged or intermittent. They are often associated with symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness and nausea.

Some persons also have double vision or see crooked lines in their line of vision. However not all headaches are eye related.

Here is a list of some common causes of headaches:

1. Tension headaches

2. Sinus headaches

3. Refractive Error headaches

4. Migraines

5. Headaches associated with certain types of diseases and conditions.

Therefore In order to get to the cause of your symptoms, here are some questions that your doctor would ask about your headaches. It is highly recommended that you keep a headache diary to record things that you observe.

1. Where is the pain located in your head? To the left, right, up, down? Front, back, temples? Top? Neck?

2. When did it start? How long does it last?

3. How often do you get the headaches?

4. What time of day does it occur? – Do you wake up in the morning with headaches? – Do the headaches wake you up at night? – does it occur at a certain time of day?

5. Is there a family history of severe headaches?

6. Do certain foods, spices, caffeine, medication, or reading trigger the headaches?

7. Are there any other symptoms associated with the headaches?

8. Do certain drugs such as Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin or Sinus medication help to alleviate the symptoms?

9. When you move does the headache lessen or worsen?

10. Has your doctor prescribed any pain reliever? If yes what did he prescribed?

Please see your doctor if your headaches are severe, chronic or recurrent. You may be required to undergo certain tests including a thorough examination, blood tests, X-rays and/or Scan of the head (CT, MRI).

“REMEMBER TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR EYES”

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Dr Ken Onu

Consultant Ophthalmologist at Beachmont Eye institute/Eyes R Us

Dr Ken Onu is the CEO and Founder of the Beachmont Eye institute/Eyes R Us. Apart from being a passionate Eye Doctor he is a Public Speaker and Author. He writes frequently on and offline on Eye Care and his other passion: Transformational Growth

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