Ignoring a headache is normal but sometimes it needs checked out

THERE’S something to be said for soldiering on through a bit of pain.

Most of the time that wee twinge or sore head really is nothing, and best dealt with by a couple of painkillers and simply just getting on with it.

Certain types of pain merit medical attention quickly, though.

One to watch out for is a new headache that develops in an older person over a few days.

If it’s combined with pain over the temples, then it’s best to get a doctor to have a look.

It may be early symptoms of giant-cell arteritis, a condition which, if left untreated, could cause blindness in one or both eyes.

Now don’t panic. It’s a fairly uncommon condition, but it’s worth knowing about.

Giant-cell arteritis is an inflammation of the temporal arteries – the ones at your temples.

Untreated, it could cut off the blood supply to the eyes.

Pain in the jaw muscles and blurred or double vision may also occur.

Giant-cell arteritis is related to a condition called polymyalgia rheumatica, which can occur at the same time. This causes pain and stiffness of the muscles around the shoulders.

Blood tests usually show signs of inflammation, while a small biopsy from the temporal artery will show the characteristic “giant cells” under the microscope.

Treatment involves a high dose of steroids, which is gradually reduced over months. These steroids can have side-effects such as potential osteoporosis, weight gain, raised blood pressure and so on.

The steroid course – which could last a couple of years, perhaps longer – might seem a bit intense.

But it could prevent loss of vision, so it’s worth it.