Headaches Specialist

What are some common types of headaches?

There are many different types of head pain, some of which are categorized as secondary headaches because they are caused by another medical condition. There are also many different primary headaches in which the headache itself is the root problem, and not just a symptom.

Tension headaches

This type of head pain is the most common, and occur based on a combination of stress and muscle tension. Pain begins slowly and usually affects both sides of your head, it’s usually dull and might be felt in the back portion of your neck or head.

Cluster headaches

These headaches come on in a series, hence the name. Pain is severe, and usually located behind your eye on one side of your head. You may notice symptoms like a runny nose, forehead swelling, or a red or watery eye.

Migraine headaches

These headaches have distinct phases, and include throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head. You might also experience nausea, sensitivity to light, or lightheadedness.

How are headaches diagnosed?

Dr. Nayer uses several diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your head pain and the best treatment path. A thorough neurological exam is the first step, including an evaluation of your current symptoms.

Additional testing helps Dr. Nayer narrow down the potential causes of head pain. Testing options include:

• Blood testing
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan)

Advanced imaging allows Dr. Nayer to “see” what’s going on in and around your brain, and can help identify structural issues or areas of injury that could be causing your head pain.

What are some treatments for headaches?

There are numerous ways to treat headaches, and your treatment plan might include a combination of several approaches. Medication can help ease pain, but long-term pharmaceutical use is not the preferred means of treatment.

Identifying and avoiding headache triggers is one way to reduce the frequency of headaches. Lifestyle modifications like dietary improvements and getting more exercise can also help.

Can neurostimulation treat headaches?

Neurostimulation can be an effective treatment for headaches, especially if medications aren’t helping reduce the frequency or intensity of your head pain. Some therapies use a handheld device, while others require an implanted device that transmits electrical pulses to your brain.

Those neurostimulation efforts decrease sensitivity to head pain by disrupting the communication between your nerves and brainstem. Ongoing research is expected to yield advancements in neurostimulation in coming years.

If you’re tired of headaches disrupting your daily routines, schedule an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Nayer for thorough diagnostic and treatment options.