Headaches are a common condition and usually nothing to worry about.
But in some cases they are the first sign of a fatal condition, such as bleeding in the brain or even a cancerous tumor.
Now a US-based doctor has taken to Instagram to offer advice on how to tell the difference between sinister headaches and harmless headaches.
Neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen said two specific symptoms are a telltale red flag.
‘If a headache suddenly feels different, like a thunderclap headache, or lasts longer [than usual] it could be something serious like a hemorrhage, a tumor or an aneurysm,” he said.
Named after a weather phenomenon, thunderclap headaches are sudden, aching pains similar to a blow to the head, resulting in ‘blinding pain the likes of which have never been experienced before’, according to the NHS.
This is considered a medical emergency and the health service is advising patients to call 999 or go to A&E.
A sudden thunderclap headache can be a sign of a burst blood vessel in the brain, which can result in lifelong disability, coma and even death.
Headaches can also be a sign of a brain tumor, so doctors usually recommend visiting the doctor if the headache becomes new or becomes more frequent.
In addition to revealing warning signs of brain disorders, Dr. Chen offered his social media followers ways to prevent neurological disorders, including the terrifying locked in syndrome.
This happens when the brain stem is severely damaged, causing paralysis of the voluntary muscles except the muscles that control your vertical eye movements (up and down).
Those with the disorder are conscious and have the usual cognitive skills, but they cannot speak or move.
Dr. Chen said neck manipulation – a technique performed by some chiropractors – can put patients at risk of developing the life-destroying disease.
Treatment involves manually manipulating the bones in the upper spine to relieve neck pain.
Dr. Chen said he would never undergo such a technique himself because of the serious, albeit small, risk that something would go terribly wrong.
“Forceful adjustments to the neck can pose a rare but serious risk, and that is vertebral artery dissection,” he said.
This is a tear in one of the arteries in the neck that supplies the oxygen-rich blood to the brain stem. Such an injury carries the risk of stroke.
Dr. Chen continued, “A stroke in the brain stem can lead to one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen and it is called ‘locked-in syndrome’ where you are fully aware but cannot move or speak.”
Last on the doctor’s ‘never list’ was missing a good night’s sleep.
“Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of dementia and lead to a host of neurological problems,” he said.
“So even with a busy schedule at the hospital and coming home with two small children, I do my best to get a good night’s sleep and get at least six hours if I can.”
The NHS advises that most adults need around seven to nine hours of good quality sleep per day.