Headache Unit

Why do headaches occur?

Many reasons can cause a headache. Headaches not based to another reason are called primary headaches, the most common types of which are stress and migraine type aches. Headaches with another reason are called secondary headaches and these can be caused by a number of reasons such as sinusitis, hunger, infections, vascular and metabolism diseases and intracranial tumors.

When should a patient apply to a physician?

If headaches are periodical or continuous, experienced for the first time or very intense, new and different, gradually increasing, has started after the age of 50, developed after head trauma, emerge with exercise or sexual activity or do not respond to treatment, professional medical help should be sought immediately.

Which tests are needed?

Headaches can occur in intervals or on a continuous basis. There is no test to indicate primary headaches. The first step of diagnosis is defining the problem. It mostly depends on giving correct answers to the questions asked by your physician. Various tests can be conducted in order to distinguish different headaches from each other.

Where and how should you apply?

2 residents provide service under the supervision of an academic staff member in the Outpatient Clinic of Headache in Hacettepe Adult Hospital Neurology Department on Thursdays. Examinations are given both in the outpatient clinic and also by academic staff with appointments on other days. Patient should apply to the emergency department in case of severe headache.