Any person-adult or child-who has "the worst headache of my life", that does
not resolve with standard over-the-counter therapy, should contact their physician
immediately. While the diagnosis may be a migraine, this diagnosis can
only be made after other serious and even life-threatening problems are considered
and ruled out. If it is a migraine, there are now many preventive and therapeutic
regimens available for you. Take Dr. Donnica's Decisionnaire™
to see if your headache pain is migraine. Check off all that apply and take
this list with you to consult your physician.
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Your headache pain is generally on one side of the head.
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The pain is pulsating or throbbing.
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The pain is worsened by routine physical activities.
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The pain is moderate to severe in intensity.
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The pain inhibits or prohibits your usual activities.
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The pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
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The pain is accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
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The pain is brought on by any of the triggers listed here.
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You can often feel the headache coming on.
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You get 2 or more moderate to severe headaches per week.
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Your severe headaches occur in the 2-3 days before your period.
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Your pain is so severe that it requires bed rest.
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Your pain does not go away within 48 hours.
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You get a severe headache from caffeine withdrawal or eating Chinese food
(sometimes high in MSG).
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