Presbyterian’s neurologists are highly trained to diagnose and treat all types of headaches. Following a thorough evaluation, your treatment plan may include:
- Medication therapy and management
- Diet modifications
- Lifestyle modifications for stress reduction
- Infusion treatment for acute headaches and migraines
- Botox injections
- Referral for rehabilitation therapy when appropriate
- Pain psychology
There are three main types of headaches – migraine, cluster and tension. While they differ in severity, frequency and symptoms, all three can interfere with work and life activities and can be very debilitating.
Migraines occur more often in women than in men and can be triggered by stress, certain foods and odors, loud noises, smoking, hormonal fluctuations and other causes. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Aura
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
Cluster headaches are the most severe type of headache. They can cause people to wake up in the middle of the night, and emergency room visits are common. Traditional medication management does not work. Cluster headaches occur in cycles, with the average cycle lasting six weeks. During that period, many severe headaches occur.
Tension headaches are more common than migraines and cluster headaches. They are mild to moderate in severity but can last for up to a week. Unlike migraine headaches, they do not cause nausea.
If you suffer from headaches and experience one or more of the following, you should be evaluated by a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment:
- Frequency and severity of headaches interfere with work and leisure activities
- Current treatment plan does not work
- You take many over-the-counter medications in an effort to keep your headaches under control
- You visit the emergency department regularly due to headaches
- You are on disability due to headaches
- The type and/or severity of your headaches has recently changed
- You are over the age of 50 and recently experienced a new type of headache
To make an appointment with a neurologist for you or a loved one, call 704-384-CARE (2273).