Describing a headache correctly and treating it is half the battle, you know?

When many people go to the doctor for a headache, they often fail to get accurate treatment because of the vague description. In fact, treatment is half the battle when a headache is correctly described. The Headache Classification and Diagnostic Criteria establishes uniform diagnostic criteria for hundreds of headaches. Physicians can compare these criteria to make a preliminary determination of the type of headache. In general, secondary headaches are easy to diagnose. Once the cause is found, the headache will be relieved with treatment.

Step 1:Where does it hurt?

When talking to your doctor, it is important to first identify where the headache is, i.e. "where it hurts", whether it is fixed in one area all the time or running around.

Step 2: How much does it hurt?

The nature of headache varies from disease to disease. For example, the pain of a brain tumor is a dull pain that worsens progressively; the pain of a ruptured blood vessel is a severe pain. The patient should describe the headache as much as possible; the clearer the description, the easier it is for the doctor to diagnose.

Step 3: The degree of headache

Try to explain the extent of the headache, that is, "how it hurts". To help the patient determine the level of pain, doctors sometimes ask the patient to rate the pain on a scale of 0 for no pain, 1 to 3 for mild pain, 4 to 5 for moderate pain, 6 to 7 for high pain, 8 to 9 for severe pain, and 10 for very severe pain.

Step 4:How long does it hurt?

Knowing the number and frequency of headache attacks, i.e. "how long the pain lasts", is very important for the diagnosis of headache.

Once the above four elements are clarified, you should also tell your doctor if there are any other symptoms besides the headache, which is also important to help your doctor determine the cause of the headache. Each headache sufferer has his or her own pattern of attacks, which should be observed. Improve your sleep and drink less caffeinated beverages.

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