Charlotte, NC
Dale Menard, MD
Akash Neupane, MD
Chloe is a 24-year-old college student. She was diagnosed with migraine headaches. This headache affects only one side of her face and is more common after a sleepless night. She complains of headaches almost every day. She wants to learn about home remedies to help prevent these headaches.
Most of us have experienced headaches at least once in a lifetime. However, not all headaches are the same where; they range from irritating to incapacitating. Headaches differ in how severe the pain is and how often you get them. While most do not indicate a severe illness, your healthcare provider must evaluate every new or recurrent headache.
Headaches are treated differently depending on the type they are. Keep track of a logbook of your headaches; this can help your provider figure out what causes them and decide on a treatment plan. Your doctor will discuss your headaches and review the headache logbook. They will review your medical history to help determine the type of headaches you are dealing with. They can also run lab tests and imaging studies for other medical conditions that may cause headaches.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. The pain in tension headaches is a constant and dull pain often described as a band squeezing around the head. They can rise from tension in the head, neck, and shoulder muscles. Tension headaches can build up gradually and can last from hours to days.
Your doctor can treat tension headaches with over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Stress management and relaxation exercises may help prevent tension headaches. Talk to your doctor so they can recommend lifestyle changes to relax and reduce stress, such as regular yoga, stretching, massages, and other tension relievers.
Migraine headaches are the second most common headaches. They are seen more often in women than in men. It differs from other headaches since it causes severe pain and other symptoms. Migraines can present as mild to severe headaches with nausea, light or sound sensitivity, or neurological symptoms. Migraines can be complex and disabling as well. A migraine headache can last from a few hours to several days and affect your day-to-day activities.
Some people can sense the onset of a migraine headache. They usually see spots or stripes or have blurred vision called an aura before a migraine attack. During a migraine, you may experience nausea and be highly sensitive to light, noise, or smell.
Your doctor can treat migraine headaches with over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen with caffeine supplements. Your doctor may also suggest migraine-specific medications, such as Imitrex (sumatriptan), or Nurtec (rimegepant) if you have a more severe migraine or may prescribe medications to prevent migraine headaches if you frequently have them.
Cluster headaches present suddenly with severe pain on one side of the head and often around one eye. It comes in ‘clusters’ (hence the name) at the same time of day or night for a few weeks. These headaches are more common in smokers and men.
Your doctor can write prescriptions to treat and prevent cluster headaches. They may recommend avoiding alcohol as it can trigger cluster headaches in individuals with it.
Trigeminal neuralgia presents headaches and painful sensations like an electric shock on one side of the face. Even mild stimulation of your face, such as brushing your teeth, putting on makeup, or even a cold breeze, might trigger a jolt of excruciating pain. The pain comes from the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain, and can be started with mild stimulation.
The treatment plan involves using certain anticonvulsant pills, muscle relaxants, injections, or neurosurgery. Talk to your provider to support you in choosing and deciding what treatment best suits you.
Most headaches are diagnosed after carefully considering your history and tracking your headache logbook. While many people with headaches don’t need an imaging study, your doctor might recommend it if you have any of the following symptoms:
Most headaches are diagnosed after carefully considering your history and tracking your headache logbook. While many people with headaches don’t need an imaging study, your doctor might recommend it if you have any of the following symptoms:
Alcohol, Chocolate, Cheese, Processed Meats, Caffeine and Foods Containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).
Magnesium-rich foods (Leafy greens, avocado, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and tuna)
Omega-3 foods (fish like mackerel, salmon, cod-liver oil, and herring)
A ketogenic diet (high-fat, low carbohydrate, and adequate protein intake)
Every headache is different; thus, treatment varies. Finding a quick fix to your headache may not always be possible, and it can take time for your doctor to determine the best treatment plan. Headache treatment requires a partnership between you and your doctor, so communication is essential. Here are some additional tips to help you prevent and manage your headaches:
