Migraine and Headache

Headache Causing Disorders in Los Angeles

A headache can be pain anywhere in the head and upper neck, and is the most common source of pain. There are numerous causes for the headaches and migraines, which led the International Headache Society to create an updated classification system in 2007 with three major categories:

Headaches by Type

Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache and are experienced by 90% of adults at some point in their lives. They are most prevalent in women.

Migraine headaches are the second most common, afflicting 28 million people in the United States alone. Both children and adults can experience migraines, but after puberty, they are most likely to occur in women. Approximately 6% of men and 18% of women will, at some point in their lives, experience a migraine.

Cluster headaches are a rare form of the primary type, affecting about 1 in every 1,000 individuals. These headaches are most common in men in their twenties, although they can be present in women and children.

Secondary headaches are those which are attributed to an underlying problem in the head or neck like a tumor, bleeding in the brain, or a condition like meningitis.

Cranial neuralgia refers to a group of headaches caused by inflammation of the nerves in the head and upper neck. This category also includes facial pain.

Causes of Headaches & Migraines

Even though tension headaches are far and away the most common type, their cause has been attributed to excessive contraction of the muscles around the head.

Migraines are a much more complex condition, with severe pain that may require the patient to retreat to a cool, quiet, dark room for hours at a time. Often accompanied by a warning aura, the severe pain of a migraine may be set off by something as simple as a strong odor, certain foods, missing sleep, glare from lights, or menstrual periods.

Treatment of Headaches & Migraines

Mild headache complaints may require nothing more than taking an over-the-counter pain medication, getting a neck rub, or lying down and relaxing, while migraines can be so severe as to require the use of anti-seizure drugs and powerful painkillers. Obviously, in the case of secondary headaches, some effort must be made to address the underlying condition including imaging to look for tumors and, possibly other tests.

Although manageable for most people, anyone with chronic, severe headaches should get a check-up to make sure the pain they are suffering is not a symptom of another illness.

Diagnostic Testing & Treatments

When evaluating patients with long-lasting headaches or migraines, your physician may order tests or procedures to rule out possible causes of your pain if your condition is unusual, complex or suddenly becomes more severe. Tests and diagnostic procedures may include: blood tests, Computerized tomography (CT) scans, or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRIs).

Typical treatment options for long-lasting headaches or migraines in Los Angeles may include Ketamine Infusions, Pulsed Radiofrequency or Selective Nerve Root Injections.

To learn more, please schedule a consultation with our headache and migraine specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica today!

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neurological associates's dr. marisa chang and dr. sheldon jordan