National Headache Awareness Week Begins

Posted 7:27 a.m. Jun 7, 2001 — Updated 7:27 a.m. Jun 7, 2001

RALEIGH — Over 45 million Americans have chronic, recurring headaches. Of these, 28 million suffer from migraines annually.

It is estimated that industry loses $50 billion per year to absenteeism and medical expenses caused by headaches, and migraine sufferers lose more than 157 million workdays each year.

More than $4 billion is spent annually on over-the-counter pain relievers for headache, even though many of these are ineffective for the headache sufferer.

How do you know when to consult a healthcare provider about headache? The National Headache Foundation offers Ten Tips on When to See Your Healthcare Provider for Headache.

See your provider if your headache:

is sudden and severe.

affects one side of the head only.

is associated with pain in the eye or ear.

is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or sensitivity to light and sound.

recurs in a definite pattern — if the time of day, circumstances and duration of pain are consistently similar.

causes confusion or loss of consciousness.

is persistent, when previously you've been headache-free.

interferes with your ability to function normally at work or in social situations.

is similar to headaches suffered by other members of your family.

is different from other headaches you have previously experienced.

Seventy percent of all migraine sufferers are women.