Headache

People may experience headaches throughout their lives. The main symptom is pain in the head and face. Headaches can range from mild, throbbing pain to totally debilitating, and be a sign of a more serious, underlying condition.

Nearly 48 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, and 28 million Americans suffer from intense migraine-type headaches. If head pain is disabling, it may be a migraine. They’re triggered by hormone fluctuations, anxiety, sun or bright light exposure and climate change, among other reasons.

What Causes a Headache?

• Cold and flu
• Unmanaged stress
• Drinking alcohol
• Dehydration
• Neck pain and fatigue
• Hidden mold
• Insomnia and sleep issues
• Eye and eyesight problems
• Poor diet
• Medication interactions
• Head trauma

Types of headaches

• Tension headaches are the most common type and are associated with anxiety, stress and insomnia. There are a million reasons for occasional, mild headaches. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are known triggers.
• Sinus headaches feel like a deep, constant pain along the cheekbone, and the sides of your nose and forehead. You may experience fever and facial swelling – and medications may help.
• Cluster headaches are very painful and occur in patterns. You may feel pain only on one side of the head and have watery eyes. Researchers don’t know exactly what causes cluster headaches but they may be related to the release of histamine or serotonin in the body.
• Migraine headaches are dreaded by everyone who’s felt that unrelenting throb that wraps around the head, eyes and face. There are different types of migraines characterized by throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Most headaches may not indicate problems, but pay attention to your symptoms. Taking care of your well-being – including exercise, diet and stress-relief techniques – may reduce frequency and severity of headaches.

The Pain Management Center at Northern Nevada Medical Group

There are options for headache patients including pain-relief medications, preventive drugs and lifestyle changes. Medical options like injection therapy are treatment options.

Seek urgent care if you have a headache with:

• Mental confusion
• Stiff neck
• Fever
• Double vision
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Trouble speaking

We’re dedicated to a comprehensive approach for diagnosing and managing headaches and cranial pain. We’ll begin your care with a comprehensive evaluation to identify and implement strategies to reduce headaches.