Headaches & Dizziness: Causes, Types, and When to Seek Medical Advice

Headaches and dizziness can be painful and can be due to many causes. Sometimes a relaxing bath or a temple massage can be an easy solution. In other instances, headaches and dizziness can be evidence of a more serious condition.

Headache Types

• There are three types of headaches: primary, secondary, and other headaches. Primary include tension, migraine and cluster. Secondary are due to an underlying structural problem in the head/neck area. Other headaches include facial pain and pain due to inflamed nerves in the head.

Headache Diagnosis

• In order for a correct headache diagnosis to be made, a correct patient history must be given to the patient's doctor.

Considerations

• It is important to seek medical attention if a headache is associated with seizures, stiff neck, trauma or fall, or if there are changes in speech, vision or behavior.

Dizziness

• Dizziness (lightheadedness) is caused by a decrease in blood supply to the brain. People who feel dizzy feel weakened and as if about to pass out.

Other Considerations

• The complaint of dizziness is often not an emergency. However, if chest pains, shortness of breath, dehydration or bleeding are also present, medical care should be sought.