Headache and Migraines Forum - Diagnosing a Headache...is it Serious?

Conditions and Diseases > Headache and Migraines Forum > Diagnosing a Headache...is it Serious?

How can you tell if a headache is serious, or not? What types of headaches are there? Get started learning the facts about headache here....

Q: Diagnosing a Headache...is it Serious?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 24th, 2006

For about a month now, I have had a shooting pain that comes and goes on the left side of my head, above my left ear. I do also have mild allergy/sinus problems. This headache has been localized in this one area and seems to be persistent lately. I have taken ibuprofen at times, but it does not seem to help a whole lot. At times I even begin to feel it deep in my left ear. It's not so much a throbbing pain, as it is a shooting pain. It then just seems to stay for several minutes at a time, up to a few hours at a time. What might be causing this type of headache? Could it be serious?

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on July 26th, 2006

Headache, Migraines, Sinus Conditions Answer A1236

There could be a million reasons for the cause of a headache, including your pre-existing condition (PMS). You can visit your GP (general practitioner) for a standard medical examination. If necessary, s/he might send you to an ophthalmologist to check your eyes and to a ENT-specialist to check your sinuses.

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