[Previous Page] [Next Page] [Table of Contents/Search]
Scenario: Fred, a 45 year old who drinks more than two litres of wine per day, confronts you complaining about his severe headache, saying: 'I couldn't drink much today cos of it.' He looks sick, and says that it's one of his 'migraines'.
This pain could be due to:
Reassure Fred. If he is nauseous, vomiting, can recall having been hit on the head, or there are signs of such (for example black eyes, blood in nose or ears), this pain may be due to internal bleeding within the head as a result of head injury. A blood clot may have formed, causing increased pressure in the head and thus headache.
This situation requires urgent hospital assessment, as there is a danger of respiration ceasing. Agitation and confusion may also occur with this condition. Any headache accompanied by vomiting, visual disturbances, drowsiness or confusion has a potentially serious cause and requires urgent assessment.