Headache & Migraine Clinic: Expert Care for Headache Disorders

At Florida Neurology’s Headache & Migraine Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of headaches, including chronic migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Persistent headaches can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty concentrating. Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What Are Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain and are classified into several types based on their causes and symptoms:

• Migraines: A neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for hours or even days.
• Tension headaches: The most common type of headache, tension headaches cause a dull, aching pain or pressure around the forehead or back of the neck and head.
• Cluster headaches: A rare but extremely painful headache disorder that occurs in cycles or clusters, with sudden, sharp pain around one eye, often accompanied by redness, tearing, and nasal congestion.
• Chronic daily headaches: Headaches that occur more than 15 days per month and can include chronic migraines, chronic tension headaches, and medication overuse headaches.

Common Symptoms of Headaches and Migraines

The symptoms of headaches and migraines can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsing pain: Particularly in migraines, the pain often occurs on one side of the head.
• Nausea and vomiting: A frequent symptom of migraines, along with sensitivity to light and sound.
• Tension or pressure: A feeling of tightness or pressure around the forehead or back of the head, common in tension headaches.
• Severe pain around one eye: A hallmark of cluster headaches, which can also cause redness, tearing, and nasal congestion.
• Aura: Some individuals with migraines experience visual disturbances (flashes of light, zigzag patterns) or sensory changes before the onset of headache pain.

What Causes Headaches and Migraines?

The causes of headaches and migraines can vary widely and may include:

• Genetic predisposition: Migraines often run in families, indicating a genetic link.
• Environmental triggers: Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or dietary factors can trigger headaches or migraines.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women, can trigger migraines, especially around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Medications: Overuse of certain pain medications can lead to rebound headaches or medication-overuse headaches.
• Neurological issues: Abnormalities in the brain’s blood flow or nerve activity can contribute to the development of migraines.

How Are Headaches and Migraines Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the type of headache or migraine is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan. At Florida Neurology’s Headache & Migraine Clinic, we use a variety of diagnostic tools, including:

• Medical history: A detailed review of your headache history, triggers, and symptoms to identify the type of headache.
• Neurological examination: To assess the function of the nervous system and rule out other conditions.
• Imaging tests: In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out structural problems in the brain or other causes of headaches.

Treatment Options for Headaches and Migraines

At Florida Neurology, we offer a range of treatment options to help manage and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines. Treatment may include:

• Medications: Prescription medications such as triptans, anti-nausea drugs, and preventive medications can be used to treat migraines and reduce their frequency. For tension and cluster headaches, other medications may be recommended.
• Botox injections: Botox has been FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic migraines and can reduce the frequency of headaches in some patients.
• Lifestyle changes: Managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, and avoiding triggers like certain foods or environmental factors can help prevent headaches.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage the stress and anxiety associated with chronic headaches or migraines.
• Nerve blocks: In some cases, nerve blocks can be used to relieve severe pain, especially in cluster headaches..