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Dr Krishna Chinthapalli
Specialist expertise: Neurology, Epilepsy, Headache, Tremors, Multiple Sclerosis.
Headaches are extremely common, affecting over half of the world’s population. Many people have suffered from mild tension-type headaches and can manage these themselves, but there are times when seeking professional help from a neurologist becomes important. This article explores the signs that indicate it's time to see a neurologist for your headaches and the potential treatment options available.
Headaches are classified as any pain affecting the head, including the upper face and the top of the neck. There are many different types, which are divided into primary (those with a normal MRI brain scan) and secondary (those that are due to a structural abnormality that may be seen on an MRI scan or another illness).
Primary headaches are the most common and include tension-type headaches and migraines. Tension-type headaches (also called tension headaches) usually cause a mild, dull, aching sensation around the head.
Migraines, on the other hand, present with more intense throbbing pain, often with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people have an aura with migraine, which is usually a visual disturbance of some kind, lasting about 15-30 minutes.
Here are some signs that a neurologist consultation might be necessary:
Neurologists can offer a variety of treatment options for headaches and migraines, depending on the underlying cause and severity. Treatment approaches may include:
Preventative medications: These medications are taken regularly to decrease the frequency and severity of headaches.
Acute medications: Used during a headache attack to relieve the pain and associated symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications: Recommended adjustments like stress management techniques, sleep hygiene practices, and dietary changes can significantly improve headache management.
Injection treatments: such as Botox or greater occipital nerve (GON) injections
As neurologists treat and diagnose a range of condition in the brain and nervous system, consulting a specialist in this field offers many advantages including:
Accurate diagnosis: With a thorough evaluation, a neurology specialist such as those at OneWelbeck can pinpoint the exact cause of your headaches, leading to a targeted and tailored treatment plan.
Effective treatment: Neurologists have extensive training and access to various treatment options, increasing the chances of finding relief from your headaches.
Improved quality of life: By effectively managing your headaches, a neurologist can help you regain control of your life and well-being.
Headaches and migraines can be debilitating, but there's no need to suffer in silence. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, consulting a neurologist can be a crucial step toward finding effective treatment and living a headache-free life.
Headache treatment at OneWelbeck
If you are suffering from frequent or extreme headaches or your headaches are accompanied by other symptoms, our specialists at OneWelbeck can help. At OneWelbeck Neurology we use the latest diagnostics to assess and treat a wide range of neurological issues. If you would like to see a neurologist, get in touch with us today.
Dr Krishna Chinthapalli graduated in Medicine from Imperial College. He is a Consultant Neurologist here at OneWelbeck Neurology, and at Wexham Park Hospital and the National Hospital, Queen Square. He is also an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Brunel University. He sees people with all neurological conditions and performs injection treatments for headaches.