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Can Panadol Be Taken For Headache?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jul 2015
Question: Hey Dr,

I have had this headache for the past 4 days that has not really improved at all, and the only thing that will get rid of it for a while is 2 pandols. Bassically there is pain at the back of my head and my temple if I press against it and I can feel pain all around my head. Is this something that will eventually go away or do I need to see my local GP about it? A couple of things I do use a computer quite a lot and the screen is quite big 28 inches but I haven't had any hits to my head recently. Is it also bad to be having pandol every day for this headache?

Kind Regards, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be tension headache

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different types of headaches.

The most common causes are : (1) tension headaches (2) migraines (3)sinus headaches (4) due to trauma (5) mass in the brain

Headaches that are associated with pain in the neck and generalized pain are normally tension headaches.

If there was nausea with the headaches or worsening with noise and light , or they last at least 4 hours, then they would likely be migraines and stronger pain medication may be needed, you would need to see your doctor in that case.

Tension headaches are treated with pain medication along with: (1) hot or cold packs- either may help
(2)ensuring enough sleep and relaxation, proper diet and enough activity
(3)improvement of posture, stretching
These are according to the guideline written by the national headache foundation.

You can try these techniques along with the medication to see if it helps , if there is no improvement or the headache worsens then you can see your doctor for assessment.

Panadol is safe if used properly, 1000 mg (usually 2 tabs) every six hours.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 minutes later)
I think it may be tension it doesn't have any attached symptoms besides the headache but how many days can headaches really go for I have never experienced one like this before and for a constant amount of days?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
if very severe then you should be assessed

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes, can go on for days but this can also occur in migraines which were mentioned as another cause of headaches

Migraines would also have the other symptoms mentioned- nausea, worse headache with noise or light
In addition the headache is worse when trying to get through normal daily activities

If you have these migraine symptoms, then you may need stronger medications. Persons who have frequent migraines often have to use meds to stop the headaches from starting along with the pain meds (if headache still occurs).

There are more serious causes for headaches but they are not as common but if you are very worried then you can go to your GP.
This includes mass in the brain , bleed

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (14 minutes later)
Yeah I dont think it is a migrane I can still do normal daily tasks and I have no nausea but if I do go to the doctor what kind of tests do they do to test if it is more serious?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
need neurological physical examination and possibly imaging

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply

Assessment would involve: (1) physical examination of the nervous system.

There are certain examination tests that could be done to check the nerves in the brain (central nervous system examination).
This may include a look at the back of the eye.

In addition, the power and tone of the muscles in the limbs would be checked. Weakness on one side may indicate a problem

Reflexes and coordination would also be assessed

(2)Depending on the entire history and examination findings , imaging may be needed eg a CT scan

This would depend on what is seen during the physical examination

If anything else unclear feel free to ask
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can Panadol Be Taken For Headache?

Brief Answer: may be tension headache Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different types of headaches. The most common causes are : (1) tension headaches (2) migraines (3)sinus headaches (4) due to trauma (5) mass in the brain Headaches that are associated with pain in the neck and generalized pain are normally tension headaches. If there was nausea with the headaches or worsening with noise and light , or they last at least 4 hours, then they would likely be migraines and stronger pain medication may be needed, you would need to see your doctor in that case. Tension headaches are treated with pain medication along with: (1) hot or cold packs- either may help (2)ensuring enough sleep and relaxation, proper diet and enough activity (3)improvement of posture, stretching These are according to the guideline written by the national headache foundation. You can try these techniques along with the medication to see if it helps , if there is no improvement or the headache worsens then you can see your doctor for assessment. Panadol is safe if used properly, 1000 mg (usually 2 tabs) every six hours. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions