Headaches are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have signs and symptoms of headaches, keep a record of the frequency and severity of the occurrences and how they were treated. Then make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms and develop a treatment plan for managing headaches. Even if you have already spoken with your doctor about headaches, book another appointment if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.

If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room, as they can indicate a more serious medical problem:

– An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap
– Headache with fever, mental confusion, stiff neck, double vision, seizures, numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking
– Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache worsens of causes more symptoms than pain
– A chronic headache that is worse after exertion, straining, coughing, sneezing, or a sudden movement
– New headache pain after age 50

To test for headaches, a doctor will likely perform a neurological exam. In addition, they may also order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you:

– Have a new, sudden, very severe headache
– Have a headache accompanied by a stiff neck
– Have a headache alongside a fever
– Have signs of severe dehydration or heat stroke
– Have sustained a head injury

Headaches can vary in frequency and intensity and cause pain in the head, face, or upper neck. A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder that usually produces symptoms much more intense and debilitating than headaches. However, some types of migraines do not cause head pain, but cause visual distortions known as an aura.

Headache symptoms include:

– Dull, aching head pain
– Sensation of tightness or pressure in the head
– Tenderness on the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

Migraines may exhibit the following symptoms:

– Visual phenomena (various shapes, bright spots or flashes)
– Vision loss
– Pins and needles sensations in arms or legs
– Weakness or numbness in the face
– Difficulty speaking
– Hearing noises or music
– Uncontrollable jerking or other movements
– Pain on one or both sides of head
– Pain that throbs or pulses
– Sensitivity to light, sound, smell and touch
– Nausea and vomiting

Despite their commonness, migraine headaches are not well-explained by modern medicine and science. Researchers have identified possible causes, however they still do not have a conclusive explanation. Potential causes may include:

– An underlying central nervous disorder, when triggered, may set off a migraine episode
– Irregularities in the brain’s blood vessel system
– A genetic predisposition
– Abnormalities of brain chemicals and nerve pathways

If you are experiencing headaches and migraines, do not let it interfere with your quality of life, come to Smart Choice Medical Clinic for treatment you can trust. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating migraines and headaches, and can help you find relief when you need it most. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 3347 Old Jacksonville Rd, Tyler, TX 75701. Our office is open five days a week: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are also open the second Saturday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM. We serve patients from Tyler TX, Bullard TX, Troup TX, Jacksonville TX, Dogwood City TX, Whitehouse TX, Flint TX, and Gresham TX. Looking forward to serve you!