headache questions

[dannyday5821]

as some of you might know, i worked for the ambulance service - i was wondering if anyone knew why when someone complains of headache we ask the following three questions...

"was there a recent sudden onset of severe pain?"
"does you have any numbness or paraylsis?"
"have you had a recent change in behaviour?"

what would the answers to these questions tell a doctor?

[sara3]

the last 2 would surely point to a potential neurological disorder, perhaps a stroke or TIA.

are you curious as to whether WE know? do you know the answers??

[Robinia]

I was about to ask if this was a test for us too sara.
If you worked for the ambulance service how long ago was it & you'd have some idea of the answers surely?

[dannyday5821]

hehe no its not a test its a genuine question! i answer 999 calls - get the details and ask questions - im not actually medically qualified!

[sara3]

well apparently, I am!

[sqad617]

No 1 might indicate a migrainous attack or migrainous neuralgia. Might even herald the onset of a sub-arachnoid hge (although by the time you answered the call she/he would be unconscious)
The rest, I agree with sara.

[DungeonJayne]

Hey sara3, didn't notice you over here in the Body Parts section.

So, did you manage to make off with that Veyron when you were at the Motor Show?

[sara3]

hey Jayne3, nice to see you!

yes, got the Bugatti outside. my son took the Alfa 8C, my daughter and her mate stole the Pagani Zonda.

it looks like we may have a Top Gear stylee race on!

wanna join us?

[DungeonJayne]

y e p !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x

[sara3]

cool, I'll go get my driving gloves!



I don't really have driving gloves :o)

[Velvetee]

I suppose sudden onset of severe pain may indicate possible tumours. Numbness or paralysis, could be damage to the spinal cord and people who sustain head injuries can have a change in behaviour, including violence.

[knobster]

A bit like hawkswind then

[Eve]

Well they would all indicate something more serious which needs emergency care or something which can be managed without emergency care or on a less urgent basis such as a migraine or non-urgent concussion rather than something like medicine, bleeding/hemorrage or clot, swelling, tumor/abcess, stroke and neurological causes.

[tiggertan]

A sudden severe onset of a headache is considered to have a more serious underlying cause until proven othwise. Some young people can have strokes caused by a Berry Aneurysm. The type of pain can be significant in deciding what the likely condition could be.