Visit an Emergency Room Instead of Urgent Care Clinic : Migraines and Headaches
Many people with migraines or other headaches will be surprised to hear that they can and should see a doctor right away. It’s true: Headaches are not a reason for self-diagnosis. Most patients who come in with head pain can be treated at home, but an estimated 10 percent of patients with severe head pain—like migraines and even stroke symptoms—can’t wait for symptoms to subside on their own. See your primary care physician or an urgent care center immediately if you experience: blurred vision, difficulty speaking, tingling in your hands or feet, weakness in one side of your body, problems swallowing or feeling weak. These are signs of stroke—and immediate treatment is required.
Headaches, especially migraines, are one of those injuries that’s easy to ignore. The pain can be debilitating and if you decide to tough it out you could end up missing out on vital information about your health. If you start experiencing migraines or headaches, make sure you know what are normal sensations for your body before ignoring these symptoms in favor of staying productive at work. Migraines and head aches should never be taken lightly and can easily lead to more serious conditions if not treated properly. An emergency room doctor will be able to administer medication or perform other treatments (like a CT scan) in order to get rid of your headache fast. Taking care of yourself is important! Take time off work if necessary so that no further damage is done.
Headaches and migraines are among some of the most common conditions that take people to emergency rooms. In fact, according to a 2011 report by Pew Research Center, about 5 percent of all ER visits are for headaches and 4 percent for migraines—and women were more likely than men to show up at an emergency room for these issues. Visiting your local hospital’s emergency room isn’t necessary if you just have a headache or migraine; there are other options available. You can opt instead for treating yourself at home or going in after hours during one of your doctor’s office hours. If you don’t feel better in 24 hours or if it becomes worse, consult with your doctor right away.
