Headaches

Why do I have a headache?

Headaches can result from a blow to the head and are also a common symptom of acute illnesses. Some frequent causes of headaches include:

• Respiratory infections (colds, flu, sinusitis)
• Fevers
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Dehydration
• Chemicals, allergens, and pollutants
• Loud noise and bright light
• Changes in the weather

Headaches may stem from inflammation, increased pressure in your sinuses, or an allergic reaction. Muscle tension in the head and neck frequently contributes as well. Some headaches result from nerve compression or dysfunction — trigeminal and occipital neuralgia, which affect large nerves in your head, can cause severe pain.

There are also many types of headaches with no identifiable cause. One of the most common is migraines.

What are migraine headaches?

Migraines are severe, disabling headaches that may occur infrequently or regularly. The pain can last for several hours or even days. You might experience nausea, weakness, faintness, or lightheadedness. Many people are sensitive to light and sound during a migraine. Some experience vomiting, flashing lights, or other visual disturbances.

Common migraine triggers include:

• Red wine
• Chocolate
• Aged cheeses
• Coffee
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Skipped meals
• Hormonal changes

Migraines are more common in women, which may be related to hormone fluctuations during menstruation. Identifying your triggers and avoiding them can help prevent migraine attacks.

How are headaches treated?

Some headaches are easier to treat than others. For example, dehydration-related headaches often improve simply by drinking more water. Stress-induced headaches may benefit from stress management strategies, and avoiding known triggers can also help.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen can reduce mild to moderate headache discomfort. For frequent or severe migraines, Dr. Malik offers advanced treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Depending on the cause and symptoms, your treatment plan might include:

• Blood pressure medication
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antiseizure medications
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors
• Muscle relaxants
• Decongestants
• Electrical and magnetic pulse therapies
• Triptans
• Ergotamine and caffeine
• Anti-nausea medication
• Glucocorticoids
• Beta-blockers
• Lisinopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)
• Relaxation techniques and biofeedback

Patients experiencing multiple migraines each month may benefit from medical Botox® injections, which prevent certain nerves in the head from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

If severe headaches or migraines are impacting your life, call Texas Pain & Orthopedics today or book an appointment online.