Headache Treatment
Headache is one of the most common symptoms of a health issue we all experience at some point in our lives. While occasional headaches are often manageable and go away on their own, frequent or severe headaches may indicate a more serious underlying health issue. At Artemis Hospitals, we employ advanced diagnostics to identify the underlying cause of headache, to create tailored treatment plans aligned with the patient’s needs. Our team follows a multidisciplinary approach to examine all possible factors that could be contributing to the condition, ensuring our patients receive the best possible treatments and paving the way for the best possible outcomes.
Common Causes of Headache
Headaches can be triggered by a number of factors, each resulting in a different type of headache. That’s why understanding the causes of headaches is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common causes of headaches:
Stress: A leading factor in tension headaches and migraine headaches.
Dehydration: Can lead to headache, especially on the left side or right side of the head.
Sleep Issues: Can cause severe headaches, usually affecting the back of the head.
Eye Strain: Prolonged stress on the eyes often leads to headache with eye pain.
Sinus Infections: Triggers sinus headaches and nasal headaches.
Hormonal Changes: Can cause hormone headaches, especially in women.
Medication Overuse: Can cause rebound headaches when painkillers are overused.
Types of Headache and their Symptoms
Tension Headaches: Mild to moderate headache that feels like a tight band around the head, often linked to stress or poor posture.
Migraine Headaches: Throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side. Associated with headache and vomiting, light sensitivity, and nausea.
Cluster Headaches: Excruciating pain around one eye, often with tearing or redness. Could be severe and recurrent in nature.
Sinus Headaches: Pressure-like pain in the forehead or cheeks, related to a sinus infection or nasal congestion.
Thunderclap Headaches: Sudden, intense headache that peaks within 60 seconds. Requires immediate medical attention.
Hemicrania Continua & Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicranias: Persistent or recurring one-sided headaches that can be quite severe.
When to Consult a Doctor?
While occasional headaches are common, there are certain scenarios where seeking medical attention is crucial. These include:
Severe Headaches: Intense, sudden pain such as a thunderclap headache that peaks within seconds.
Frequent or Chronic Headaches: Persistent headaches, including hemicrania continua or chronic paroxysmal hemicranias, that occur regularly.
Headache with Eye Pain: Cluster headaches or other conditions causing sharp pain around the eye, often accompanied by redness or tearing.
Headache with Vomiting: Severe headaches, especially migraine headaches, associated with nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms such as confusion or weakness.
Headaches After Injury: Any headache pain following a head injury requires immediate attention as it could be a sign of a concussion.
Other Symptoms: Headaches combined with vision changes, confusion, weakness, or stiff neck may indicate a serious underlying condition.
Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent complications and ensure that you receive the appropriate headache solution for long-term relief.
Headache Treatment at Artemis Hospitals
At Artemis Hospitals, we employ a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the root cause of the headache. Our expert team begins with an in-depth consultation to understand the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and potential triggers, which helps us differentiate between primary headaches - such as migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches - and secondary headaches, which result from underlying conditions such as sinus infections or other health issues.
Diagnostic Process
Initial Consultation: Our specialists will ask questions about the nature of the headache, including its location, severity, and associated symptoms such as eye pain or vomiting.
Physical and Neurological Exam: This helps assess any neurological deficits or signs of more serious causes.
Advanced Imaging: Depending on the symptoms, our specialists may recommend imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out conditions such as tumours, infections, or vascular issues that can cause secondary headaches.
Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests can help diagnose infections, inflammation, or hormone imbalances that may lead to hormone headaches, sinus headaches, or rebound headaches.
With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Artemis Hospitals ensures an accurate diagnosis, providing a clear path forward to effective treatment for all types of headache pain.
Treatment Options
Artemis Hospitals offers a range of personalised treatment options, designed to address the specific causes and types of headaches you may be experiencing. The treatment options include but are not limited to:
Medication Treatments
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medications are used to relieve mild to moderate headaches, such as tension headaches and sinus headaches.
Triptans: Medications specifically for migraine headaches, which help reduce pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Preventive Medications: For chronic conditions like cluster headaches or chronic paroxysmal hemicranias, preventive treatments are prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Hormone Therapy: In cases of hormone headaches, hormone-balancing medications may be recommended.
Non-Medication Treatments
Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, improving sleep habits, and staying hydrated can help reduce the frequency of primary headaches.
Physical Therapy: Used to relieve back of the head pain or neck tension that may contribute to tension headaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective in managing headaches triggered by stress or anxiety.
Acupuncture: A complementary treatment option that has shown benefits in managing chronic headaches, particularly migraine headaches.
Specialised Treatments
Nerve Blocks and Injections: For certain chronic headaches, nerve blocks or Botox injections may provide relief.
Sinus Treatments: In cases of sinus infection headaches or nasal headaches, treating the underlying infection or inflammation can relieve the headache.
By tailoring treatment plans to the patient’s specific type of headache pain, our expert team ensures the most effective headache treatment offering long-term relief.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Headache Treatment?
At Artemis Hospitals, we understand the impact frequent or severe headaches can have on the patient’s life. To help them regain their health, our approach to headache treatment is rooted in expert care, advanced technology, and a deep commitment to offering comprehensive, personalised treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient. Here are some of the reasons that make us a trusted hospital for headache treatment:
Experienced Specialists: Our team includes experienced neurologists, physicians, and pain management specialists, with proven expertise in diagnosing and treating all types of headache.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We use cutting-edge diagnostic technology to pinpoint the exact cause of your headache, ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Comprehensive Treatment Options: Whether you suffer from tension headaches, sinus headaches, or chronic paroxysmal hemicranias, our hospital offers a wide range of treatments.
Personalised Care: We recognize that each patient’s experience with headaches is unique, and create personalised treatment plans based on your specific symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle.
Choosing Artemis Hospitals for your headache treatment means partnering with a team dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
Book an Appointment with a Specialist Today
If you or someone you know has been struggling with frequent or severe headaches, our team is ready to help you find lasting relief. Whether you're dealing with migraine headaches, cluster headaches, or unexplained headache, our comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options ensure that you receive the care you need. Don’t let headaches interfere with your daily life. Book an appointment today for a personalised treatment and care, and take the first step towards effective headache management and a pain-free future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Headaches
What are the different types of headaches?
There are several types of headaches, including tension headache, migraine headache, cluster headache, sinus headache, and rebound headache.
What causes migraines?
Migraines can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, bright lights, loud sounds, or not getting enough sleep.
Can stress cause headaches?
Yes, stress is a common trigger for tension headaches and can worsen migraines.
Are headaches hereditary?
Migraines often run in families. So, if your parents have migraines, you could be more likely to have them too.
What is a sinus headache?
A sinus headache happens when the sinuses get inflamed or infected, causing pain in the forehead, cheeks, and/or nose.
What is a rebound headache?
A rebound headache is caused by overusing pain medication. After the medication wears off, the headache can come back, sometimes worse than before.
What is a thunderclap headache?
A thunderclap headache is a very sudden and severe headache that peaks within a minute. It can be a sign of a serious medical issue, calling for immediate medical attention.
Can hormones cause headaches?
Yes, changes in hormones can trigger headaches, especially in women during their periods, pregnancy, or menopause.
How can I prevent frequent headaches?
To prevent frequent headaches, try managing triggers such as stress, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet. That said, some people may need preventive medications or lifestyle changes.
