Question 1

Are all headaches the same?

Accepted Answer

Headaches are an experience shared by nearly every human. Of the many different types of headaches, some occur due to other conditions, while others are stand-alone events.
 
Tension headaches
 
These headaches are the most common and usually develop slowly. They feel like a band tightening around your head and create a dull, constant ache. 
 
Cluster headaches
 
These headaches appear suddenly and can come and go swiftly in a short time. The pain is usually on only one side of the head and has a burning or sharp quality. 
 
Migraines
 
Migraines cause throbbing, burning pain, usually on one side of your head. This pain can be so intense that it makes you feel nauseous and increases your sensitivity to light, sounds, and certain smells.
 
Occipital neuralgia
 
Occipital neuralgia, a distinct type of headache, causes electric shocklike sensations and throbbing pain in your upper neck, behind your ears, and at the back of your head.
 
These are just a few types of headaches. There are many different forms of head pain, and some men and women suffer from more than one headache type.

Question 2

When should I seek treatment for headaches?

Accepted Answer

An occasional headache isn’t usually a reason for concern. But if head pain is severe or it happens often, you should seek medical attention.
 
Headaches can be a sign of a serious medical condition, so working with a trusted doctor is the best way to get at what’s causing your pain.
 
Also, chronic or severe headaches can keep you from living an active and healthy life. This can lead to what’s called a cascade effect on your health, causing even more problems down the line.

Question 3

What can be done to treat headaches?

Accepted Answer

Far too many people believe that taking oral drugs over a long period is the only way to treat headaches. Drugs can be a good fit for some people, but many other options can provide you with lasting relief without the risk of side effects that come with drugs.
 
Dr. Upadhyay offers several treatments for various headache types. Depending on how severe your headaches are and how often you get them, you could benefit from treatments like:
 
Botox®
 
Botox is a prescription medicine that temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for chronic migraine headaches that occur 15 or more days a month.
 
Nutraceuticals
 
Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that come from food sources that provide health benefits beyond their nutritional value. These products contain antioxidants and other ingredients that relieve pain and inflammation and reduce the frequency of your headaches.
 
Ketamine infusions
 
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that targets specific receptors in your brain to provide long-term relief of migraine pain. Infusions of ketamine are an effective alternative to addictive opioid-based medications.
 
Mexiletine therapy
 
Mexiletine, sold under the brand names Mexitil® and NaMuscla®, is an analgesic medication similar to lidocaine. It can prevent chronic daily headaches and migraines.
 
Spinal cord stimulation
 
Spinal cord stimulation is a type of neuromodulation therapy that treats chronic headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. It works by interfering with the pain signals traveling from the peripheral nervous system to the brain.
 
Don’t let headaches dictate the course of your daily routines. Call the office of Aman Upadhyay, MD, today to book a consultation, or use the online booking tool to set up your visit.

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