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.

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.

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.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Stress, anxiety and emotional tension
• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep pattern
• Dehydration
• Prolonged screen use or eye strain
• Skipping meals or prolonged fasting
• Excessive caffeine or sudden caffeine withdrawal
• Alcohol in susceptible individuals
• Bright lights, loud sounds or strong smells
• Hormonal changes
• Poor posture and neck muscle tension
• Certain foods or individual dietary triggers
• Viral illnesses and other infections
• Head or neck injury

Symptoms

• Throbbing, pulsating, pressing or tightening pain
• Pain on one or both sides of the head
• Pain around the forehead, temples, eyes or back of the head
• Pain that may radiate into the neck or face
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
• Visual disturbances or aura in some migraine patients
• Dizziness or difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness or agitation, particularly with cluster headache
• Neck stiffness or muscle tension
• Recurrent episodes that may last from minutes to several hours or longer

Cervicogenic Headache Origin & Cranial Mapping

Clinical Consultation & Targeted Nerve Block Treatment

How Headache is Diagnosed?

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

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 Options for Headache

Treatment depends on the type, severity, frequency and underlying cause of the headache.

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.

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.