The Headache Center
Advanced specialized care for headaches and migraines
The Headache Center at NNA is dedicated to the diagnosis and management of headaches, migraines and other related pain disorders. Our specialized team of neurologists, neuropsychologists, nurses and therapists work together to develop a customized, individualized treatment plan based on the individual needs of each patient. Our goal is to properly diagnose the causes of the headache, define and carry out a treatment plan, and to provide patient education about headache management. Through a collaborative approach, we hope to eliminate or reduce the pain and help patients return to a more functional life.
Headache Center Highlights
- Neurologists – Our team of neurologists are all experienced and trained in headache management—perform initial neurological evaluations and follow-up care to patients with all types of headaches and migraines. They work with each patient individually to identify the cause of the headaches, develop individualized treatment plans, educate patients about headache management, and coordinate other specialty services as needed.
- Neuropsychologists – available to perform neuropsychological testing, cognitive assessments, counseling and assistance with behavioral and social issues.
- Advanced Practice Nurses – work in collaboration with the physicians to care for patients and provide education and support.
- Advanced MRI – on–site MRI testing available as needed for initial diagnosis and identification of causes of headaches.
- Infusion Suite – a special treatment room available for intravenous infusions specific for headaches. Same day infusions are available if ordered by your physician to provide immediate relief of severe migraines, and to avoid potential emergency room visits.
- Specialized treatments – Botox injections, occipital nerve blocks, trigger point injections and cranial sacral therapy are specialized treatments performed by our neurologists for advanced headache management.
- Fast Track scheduling – for patients needing immediate specialized care and attention.
- Medication management – There are various types and classifications of medications available to manage headaches and migraines, and our physicians will make those recommendations based on individual patient’s needs. Using the wrong medication or too much of it could make the headaches worse.
- Lifestyle, behavioral & diet modifications – Our staff will work with patients to identify changes they can make in their daily lives to help minimize the effects of recurring headaches and migraines.
- Headache log – Patients are encouraged to maintain a headache log describing the frequency and intensity of their headaches as well as response to treatment so the log can be reviewed with the physician.
- Coordination of other specialized services – We have relationships with other specialty providers in the community for advanced pain management, psychiatry, psychology, biofeedback and physical therapy; that we will coordinate these services for patients as needed.
Types of Headaches
The type and classification of headaches must be identified initially to distinguish primary headaches from headaches that are due to some other serious medical condition, such as brain tumors or strokes.
- Primary headaches – migraines with and without auras, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches and other general headaches. These account for more than 90% of all headaches. The headache itself is the primary medical problem. There are many causes that trigger the headache such as increased muscle tension, stress, certain type of foods, or even medications.
- Secondary headaches – headaches related to some other underlying medical problems such as neck problems, post traumatic headaches, brain tumor, stroke, etc.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
According to the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE), headaches can be a symptom of serious underlying medical conditions. The following examples indicate when you should talk to your doctor in a timely manner:
- three or more headaches per week
- must take a pain reliever every day or almost daily
- need more than the recommended doses of over-the-counter medications to relieve headache symptoms
- headache is accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, and/or unexpected symptoms that affect your eyes, ears, nose, or throat
- headaches begin with a head injury but also persist afterward
- headache is triggered by exertion, coughing, bending, or sexual activity
- headache keeps getting worse and will not go away
- headaches have changed in character
- headache accompanied by persistent or severe vomiting
- headaches began after you reached the age of 50
If you have the following symptoms, you should seek immediate care or go to the ER:
- have a stiff neck and/or fever, in addition to a headache
- dizziness, unsteadiness, slurred speech, weakness, or changes in sensation (numbness and/or tingling) in addition to your headache
- confusion or drowsiness that accompanies your headache
- have your “first and/or worst” headache
Keep in mind that, even if you have had headaches for many years, it is still possible to develop a new and possibly more serious type of headache.
Quick Facts about Headaches
Statistics about headaches
according to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS):
- As many as 45 million Americans have chronic severe headaches that can be disabling.
- Headaches result in more than 8 million doctor visits a year.
- 70% of Americans will suffer headache pain severe enough to seek medical attention.
- A smaller but substantial percentage of these patients have daily or frequent chronic headaches.
- 25% of women and 8% of men get migraines sometime in their lifetime. About half of these people get their first migraine before the age of 20, and 98% before the age of 50. Most migraines occur between the ages of 25 and 50.
- Most people with a headache use nonprescription pain relievers to treat their symptoms. Because store shelves hold a vast array of pain relievers, coupled with a growing trend towards self-care, Americans have a responsibility to examine facts about headaches and pain relievers.
- You may be one of the millions of Americans who belive they suffer
from sinus headaches. In fact, many people are even diagnosed with this
condition by their physicians. However, these “sinus headaches” are
often actually migraines. For more information regarding this
condition, please read the article published by our Headache
Center Medical Director Dr. Hossein Ansari, M.D. :
"Sinus Headache: A
Medical Myth"
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