Help Is Available For Frequent Headaches
If you get headaches fairly frequently, it helps to understand why they occur and what can be done to relieve the pain. Some people have debilitating pain from headaches; in these cases, it’s essential to see a neurologist to find the cause and choose the best treatment.
Dr. Isaac Mezo, M.D., a neurologist with Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists, treats patients for headaches with varying causes and intensity.
“Headaches can be considered primary or secondary,” explained Dr. Mezo. “A secondary type of headache can occur due to a brain tumor, an aneurysm, or another structural problem. We run tests to rule out these types of problems first.”
If the headache is determined to be a primary type, it’s further classified into one of three categories. Cluster headaches usually involve short, stabbing pain around the eyes. They don’t last long but can be very severe. Tension headaches are characterized by a dull ache in the back or on top of the head. They’re typically caused by stress or muscle tension.
The most common type of primary headaches is a migraine. This occurs when blood vessels dilate and cause pain and is most common in young, pre-menopausal women.
“Migraine sufferers may have a ‘visual aura’, throbbing pain, nausea or vomiting, and numbness in the face or arm,” said Dr. Mezo. “There’s a high correlation between migraines and strokes later in life, so it’s important to find a successful treatment for migraines.”
The first step in combating headaches is to make lifestyle modifications.
“I have patients keep a headache journal to identify what triggers the headaches,” added Dr. Mezo. “They record what they eat, how much water they drink, and how well they’re sleeping. Pain pills don’t help with migraines, they make them worse. Our most successful long-term treatments involve Botox injections or other preventative medications.”
For more information, visit the Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists web page or contact us at:
1499 Lakewood Dr., Morris, IL
Phone: 815-942-4506
25259 S. Reed Street, Channahon, IL
Phone: 815-467-0555
