Headache Disorders | Symptoms & Treatment | MedStar Health

We’ve all had headaches. They might be triggered by illness, stress, dehydration, or working on the computer. But when chronic headaches disrupt your life—taking you down for days or weeks every month—it’s time to get help from a specialist.

MedStar Health headache experts are board-certified in neurology and headache. We will hear you, and we will bring the expertise to give you more headache-free days, with a custom treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Specialized headache care 

MedStar Health’s headache specialists, including those at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Headache Center can give you a precise diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to manage your headache condition. In our care, you’ll be surrounded by experts who rally behind you to reclaim a healthier, happier life.

Types of headache disorders

You might be surprised to learn that researchers have identified hundreds of different types of headaches. In fact, the International Headache Society has developed a classification system with three main categories and 14 sub-categories.

Primary headaches

A headache is classified as primary if the head or neck pain itself is causing the symptoms.

  • Tension headaches are by far the most common type. The pain is mild to moderate, short-lived, and easily treatable.
  • Cluster headaches involve a sudden, sharp pain on one side of your head, along with the distinctive symptoms of a watery eye, drooping eyelid, and nasal congestion. While the symptoms can last for several hours, the pain will eventually ebb with no lingering side effects. Cluster headaches typically occur in a noticeable pattern.
  • Migraine is a chronic disorder that causes debilitating pain along with symptoms that can include nausea, dizziness, vision changes, and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. Your headaches may be diagnosed as migraine if the pain is throbbing or pulsating and lasts for more than four hours.

Secondary headaches

Your doctor may determine your headache is secondary if the pain is linked to another condition or disorder. These might include:

  • Allergies and allergic reactions
  • Infections
  • Menstruation, menopause, or other hormonal changes
  • Excessive caffeine consumption or withdrawal
  • High blood pressure
  • Head or neck trauma
  • Substance use or withdrawal

Neuropathies and facial pains

Some headaches are caused by nerve damage to the face or neck. This might happen if a lesion develops on the nerve or surrounding tissue. Trigeminal neuralgia is an example of this kind of condition.

 

Advocating for your health

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Migraine and other chronic headache disorders are sometimes called invisible conditions because symptoms can’t readily be seen by others. Many patients try to power through symptoms or mask them with over-the-counter medications to minimize the impact on daily life. 

If that sounds familiar, you don’t have to suffer in silence or hide away in a cold, dark room. You deserve to be heard. Self-advocating is especially important for people whose pain has been ignored or dismissed by providers in the past.

Potential causes and risk factors 

Some headache risk factors, such as diet and hydration, are straightforward to control. Others require partnering with specialists to get the best, safest outcome. Some of the more complex risk factors include: 

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Immunocompromising conditions, such as lupus, cancer, or HIV/AIDS

If you have a history of headaches and notice a change in the pattern or frequency—or if headaches are accompanied by fever, weight loss, or confusion—see a doctor to rule out other diagnoses. For adults over 50, new and severe onset of headaches could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Diagnosing headache disorders

Assessing your symptoms and level of discomfort is key to pinpointing your type of headache pain. Your care team will ask you to describe the details of your headache episodes:

  • How would you rate your pain level?
  • How long do your headaches last?
  • Do you have other symptoms at the same time?
  • Where is the pain located?
  • Does the pain disappear quickly or linger?
  • Have you noticed any triggers?

Your doctor may ask you to keep a headache diary to identify patterns in the intensity and duration of your episodes. This information can help you learn to avoid triggers and give us details to customize your care plan.

Self-care remedies

If you get mild or gradual onset headaches frequently that do not get worse over time, try these natural and topical treatments: 

  • Apply an ice pack, heat pack, or mentholated cream or balm to the affected area 
  • Drink chilled water and stay hydrated 
  • Remove yourself from a stressful situation by taking a break or going for a walk 
  • Sleep or rest, if you’re able to do so 
  • Take deep breaths for relaxation 
  • Use a diffuser with lavender essential oil 

Non-prescription medications

If your headache becomes more intense, these medications can help: 

  • Aspirin
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Salicylic acid

Talk with your health care provider before taking medication for headaches, especially if you already take prescription drugs for other conditions. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and avoid triggers such as skipping meals and getting excessive screen time.

When to see an expert

If self-treatment is no longer enough, talk with your primary care doctor about more targeted therapies. Disclose all the medications and treatments you are using to avoid unexpected drug side effects. 
Depending on the frequency and severity of your headaches, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist or other specialist. The experts at MedStar Health’s Headache Center will listen closely to understand your symptoms and the impact on your daily life.

Neurology

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