How Do You Know If You Have Headaches Severe Enough To Consult Your Physician?

Interestingly, most women with migraine suffer for 3-4 years before seeking medical attention! This is unnecessary. If you have recurrent headaches, take Dr. Donnica's Decisionnaire ™. If you have checked off more than 3 of these criteria, take this list with you when you consult your physician- sooner rather than later.

___	Your headache pain is generally on one side of the head.
___	The pain is pulsating or throbbing.
___	The pain is worsened by routine physical activities.
___	The pain is worsened by changes in physical position.
___	The pain is moderate to severe in intensity.
___	The pain inhibits or prohibits your usual activities.
___	The pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
___	The pain is accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
___	You can often feel the headache coming on.
___	You get 2 or more moderate to severe headaches per week.
___	Your severe headaches occur in the 2-3 days before your period.
___	Your pain is so severe it requires bed rest.
___	Your pain does not go away within 48 hours.
___	You get a severe headache from caffeine withdrawal or eating Chinese food (sometimes high in MSG).
___	Your headaches (the pain and duration) have gotten worse over time.
___	You are taking over-the-counter medicines for headache daily or more than 2 days per week without relief.
___	Your previously satisfactory headache medicine is no longer providing relief.
___	Your memory, personality or cognitive abilities seem to be changing.
___	Your headaches are starting to worry you or make you feel anxious.

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Created: 9/22/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.