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Headaches
and Dizziness May Have Serious Underlying Causes
"Most headaches are fortunately
benign and self-limiting and require no more than symptomatic treatment. But
headaches may be indicative of underlying problems of the head and brain and
even the spinal cord. These headaches must be recognised, investigated and treated
so that the patient is saved from the damaging effects of these problems."
This was stated by Dr Saad
Bashir, Associate Professor and Consultant Neurosurgeon, Department of Surgery,
AKU, during the University Hospital's 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme
on neurosurgery in Hyderabad
on March 25, 2005.
"Similarly, dizziness is
a common symptom and often quite disabling," Dr Bashir added. He said that in
the majority of cases, the cause is benign and nothing more than symptomatic
treatment is required. "However, it is important to diagnose the small number
of cases where this problem may indicate serious underlying causes," he explained.
The programme focused on drawing attention to the symptoms of these conditions
and their management.
Pain in the arms and legs
is also a common symptom and results from diseases that affect the nerves, directly
or indirectly. These conditions are usually missed in the beginning but can
be treated simply, either medically or surgically, if diagnosed properly.
As part of its outreach
programme and societal commitment to creating awareness of early diagnosis and
timely treatment, Aga Khan University Hospital has organised over 150 'Signs,
Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad
and the UAE, benefiting more than 33,000 people.
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