What department should I visit for headaches with unknown causes?
Sep 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
For headaches of unknown cause, patients may generally visit departments such as psychiatry and psychology, respiratory medicine, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurology, or neurosurgery. If uncertain about which department to visit, patients can go to the hospital's guidance desk for assistance in registration, helping to identify the appropriate specialty, clarify the underlying cause promptly, and receive targeted treatment. During treatment, it is recommended that patients maintain an optimistic mindset and stable emotions, which are beneficial for recovery.
Headaches of unknown cause can generally be evaluated in departments such as psychiatry and psychology, respiratory medicine, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), neurology, or neurosurgery. Specific details are as follows:
1. Psychiatry and Psychology: Long-term tension and excessive mental stress may lead to muscle tightness and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, thereby triggering headaches. In such cases, patients are advised to visit the psychiatry and psychology department, where a doctor can assess their psychological condition and provide targeted treatment.
2. Respiratory Medicine: Headache may sometimes be a symptom of upper respiratory tract infection, accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, and muscle pain. In these cases, patients should seek care in the respiratory medicine department.
3. Otolaryngology: Sinusitis, paranasal sinus inflammation, or diseases of the nasopharynx may also cause headaches. Patients should visit the otolaryngology department for evaluation.
4. Neurology: If a patient experiences frequent headaches, it may indicate neuralgia or tension-type headache, typically characterized by a bilateral sensation of tightness or pressure. Headaches caused by chronic sleep deprivation leading to neurasthenia should also be evaluated in the neurology department.
5. Neurosurgery: Brain-related conditions such as hydrocephalus, brain tumors, or meningitis may also cause headaches, possibly accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or altered consciousness. In such cases, patients should seek immediate evaluation in the neurosurgery department.
If unsure which department to visit, patients can consult the hospital's guidance desk for assistance in selecting the appropriate specialty to promptly identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. During treatment, maintaining an optimistic mindset and emotional stability is recommended, as this can support recovery.
