Headache & Migraine
HEADACHE
Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms and can range from occasional mild discomfort to severe, recurrent pain that affects daily activities, work and sleep. Headaches may occur due to changes in pain-sensitive structures around the head and neck or as a symptom of another underlying condition.
-
1.
Primary Headaches are conditions in which headache itself is the main disorder. Common types include:
- Migraine - often causes moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, sometimes with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Tension-Type Headache - usually causes a pressing or tightening sensation, often on both sides of the head.
- Cluster Headache - causes severe, usually one-sided pain around or behind the eye, often occurring in recurrent attacks.
-
-
2.
Secondary Headaches occur as a symptom of another underlying condition, such as infection, head injury, medication overuse, sinus or eye problems, high blood pressure in certain circumstances, or other neurological or systemic disorders.
Diagnosis,
Accurate diagnosis is important because different types of headaches require different approaches to treatment and prevention.
- Diagnosis is primarily based on a detailed medical history and neurological examination.
- The doctor assesses the location, character, severity, duration and frequency of the headache, associated symptoms, triggers and medication use.
- A Headache Diary can be useful for recording headache frequency, duration, severity, possible triggers, associated symptoms and response to treatment.
1. Blood Tests
2. MRI of the Brain
3. CT of the Brain
may be recommended when clinically indicated, particularly when the headache pattern is unusual, changing or associated with concerning neurological findings.
Headache Prophylaxis / Prevention,
For patients with frequent, severe or disabling headaches, preventive treatment may help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of attacks.
- Maintaining Regular Sleep and Meal Schedules
- Adequate Hydration
- Regular Physical Activity and Exercise
- Identifying And Avoiding Individual Triggers
- Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
- Limiting Medication Overuse
- Preventive Medications When Indicated - Beta Blocker, Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant etc.
- Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) Treatment for Selected Patients with Chronic Migraine
- CGRP-Targeted Therapies for Selected Patients with Migraine
Treatment,
Treatment depends on the type, severity, frequency and underlying cause of the headache.
1. Acute Treatment -
Medications may be used during a headache attack to reduce pain and associated symptoms. Depending on the headache type, these may include simple analgesics, anti-inflammatory medicines, triptans and other migraine-specific treatments.
2. Interventional Pain Procedures
Selected patients with persistent or difficult-to-treat headaches get benefit from targeted procedures such as
a. Occipital Nerve Blocks
b. Supra-Orbital or Supra-Trochlear Nerve Blocks
c. Auriculo-Temporal Nerve Block
d. Trigger-Point injections
e. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Interventions
f. Selected Radiofrequency Ablation Procedures
At AREVA
At AREVA, we assess the pattern and underlying cause of headache before developing a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, management may include medications, preventive therapy, lifestyle measures, rehabilitation and selected minimally invasive, image-guided pain procedures to reduce headache burden and improve quality of life.