It has been reported by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project that in the year 2008 2.4% of all emergency room visits in the United States were due to headaches. This accounts for over 3 million visits per year just for headaches alone with women accounting for three out of every four patients. Migraines were diagnosed in about 63% of the cases and if hospitalization was required, the average length of stay was 2.7 days. The total cost for headache hospitalizations and hospital based treatments was $408 million dollars in 2008.
These are staggering figures by any means but they certainly don’t account for all the headaches that occur. Most people have headaches and they can be a symptom many different health conditions from colds and the flu through to much more serious issues and concerns. Chronic types of headaches can be a symptom of high blood pressure among other potentially life-threatening health conditions.
People that have headaches on a regular basis need to talk to their doctor. Most headaches that are acute and occasional can be linked to tension, stress and anxiety. However headaches can also be a result of eye strain and eye fatigue. Getting your eye’s checked if your headaches are related to reading, using the computer or watching TV is a good option. People with current vision prescriptions should have their prescription checked as well. » Read more: Get Rid Of Tension Headaches With Wheatbags
