Headaches

Headaches come in multiple forms, from short-lived tension headaches to disabling migraines. If you suffer from recurring headaches or migraines that over-the-counter medications can’t manage, visit board-certified neurologist Paul Gill, MD, at Gill Neuroscience in Houston, Texas. Dr. Gill specializes in headaches and migraines, using the latest treatments to prevent and relieve recurring symptoms. Call Gill Neuroscience to request a consultation or book an appointment online today.

What causes headaches?

Headaches can affect any part of your head and/or neck. Several areas have pain-sensitive structures, including the:

• Cranium (skull covering)
• Muscles
• Nerves
• Arteries and veins
• Subcutaneous tissues
• Ears
• Eyes
• Sinuses
• Mucous membranes

Brain tissue has no pain receptors. The pain you feel with a headache is due to disturbances affecting the pain-sensitive structures around your brain. 

Are there different kinds of headaches?

The three most common headache types include: 

Tension-type headaches (TTH)

TTH typically produces mild to moderate pain resembling a tight band around your head.

Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches feel like sinusitis (an infection in the sinuses). You develop pressure around your forehead, eyes, and cheeks, and your head may throb.

Migraines

Migraine headaches may be dull or severe. You might feel the pain behind your eye or in the back of your head and neck. Many patients find their migraine headaches start on the same side each time. 

A typical migraine headache is throbbing, unilateral (affecting one half of your head), and lasts 4-72 hours. Sinus-type pain can also be a migraine symptom.

Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, photophobia (increased light sensitivity), and phonophobia (increased sound sensitivity). Routine activities aggravate these symptoms. You may feel so weak or sick, and the pain may be so bad that you must lie in a darkened, quiet room.

Around one-third of people perceive an aura before a migraine. These temporary visual, language, sensory, or motor disturbances signal a migraine is coming.

How are headaches and migraines treated?

Most headaches respond well to over-the-counter painkillers. These include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen.

Dr. Gill specializes in treating headaches and migraines. He recommends two forms of treatment for chronic headaches:

Acute abortive treatment

Abortive therapy treats headaches and migraines by targeting pain and symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Preventive treatment

Preventive treatment reduces headache frequency, duration, and severity. It involves taking medication daily for at least three months and possibly six or more.

Dr. Gill also recommends keeping a headache diary for recurrent unexplained headaches. Note the type of headache, any other symptoms, and what triggered or worsened it. Your diary helps identify possible causes of headaches, such as medication, certain foods, and menstruation.

To learn more about headaches and the treatments Gill Neuroscience offers, call to schedule a consultation or request one online today.