HEADACHES

headaches and migraines

Headaches and migraines can range from an occasional inconvenience to a condition that significantly impacts your daily life. While many headaches improve with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter medications, recurring, severe, or unusual headaches may be a sign of an underlying neurological condition. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, including complex headache disorders.

Types of Migraines and Headaches
There are many different types of headaches, so pinpointing them with a headache specialist can take time. Migraine headaches are typically triggered by things like foods, smells, lights and sounds, or a sudden change in the environment. What happens next determines the type of headache, and the most effective treatment plan.

Complicated Migraine

A complicated migraine is accompanied by an aura, which signals that severe pain is coming.

Common Migraine

The common migraine does not have the warning mechanisms of prodrome and aura. It can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other types of migraine.

Silent Migraine

This type of migraine, also known as acephalgic migraine, includes the aura phase and other symptoms of migraine without the head pain. Sufferers are likely to have other types of migraines as well.

Hemiplegic Migraine

This migraine resembles a stroke with weakness or numbness one one side of the body. Like the silent migraine, it does not always include head pain.

Retinal Migraine

Temporary vision loss is the primary sign of this migraine, most common among younger women. Blindness is usually reversible, but can last anywhere from a minute to months. Those who experience a retinal migraine should see a specialist as soon as possible.

Chronic Migraine

If a headache occurs more than 15 days a month, it can be chronic migraine. The severity of symptoms and pain may vary from attack to attack.

Ice Pick Headache

These are sudden with intense pain that feels, as the name implies, like you are being stabbed with an ice pick. They are short, usually lasting 30 seconds or less, but extremely painful.

Cluster Headache

This is one of the most painful types of headache. Symptoms include burning pain around the eyes, temples and sometimes the back of the head. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as red, puffy eyes or a runny nose.

Cervicogenic Headache

This headache is actually caused by pain from the neck or spine and often requires physical therapy in addition to other treatments.
Stages of a Migraine
Prodrome

Subtle changes 24-48 hours ahead of time may warn of approaching migraine headaches. These can include mood changes, food cravings, increased thirst and urination and neck stiffness.

Aura

About 25 percent of migraine headaches have an aura 20 minutes to an hour before an attack. Auras usually affect vision, with sufferers seeing dots, lines or flashing. But they can include other symptoms, such as numbness in the face or body, slurred speech, uncontrollable jerking or hearing problems.

Attack

Pain will occur, usually on one side of the head, but sometimes on both, and can be accompanied by other symptoms.

Post-drome

Feelings of confusion and fatigue may last up to a day after an attack. Certain movements may trigger the pain to return briefly.

Understanding headaches and migraines

Headaches are one of the most common neurological symptoms, but not all headaches are the same. Identifying the type of headache you are experiencing is an important first step toward finding effective treatment.

Migraine Symptoms
Migraines are more than just severe headaches. They are a neurological condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Moderate to severe head pain

Throbbing or pulsating pain

Pain on one side of the head

Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

Nausea or vomiting

Blurred vision

Dizziness or vertigo

Difficulty concentrating

Visual disturbances known as “aura,” such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots

Migraine attacks can last for several hours or even several days and may interfere with work, school, family activities, and sleep.
Tension Headache Symptoms
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headaches and often cause:

Mild to moderate pressure or tightness around the head

A sensation of a band squeezing the forehead or scalp

Neck and shoulder tension

Headache pain that worsens with stress or fatigue

Although tension headaches are typically less severe than migraines, frequent episodes can still affect your quality of life.
Cluster Headache Symptoms
Cluster headaches are a rare but extremely painful headache disorder. Symptoms may include:

Intense, piercing pain around one eye

Red or watery eyes

Nasal congestion or runny nose

Facial sweating

Restlessness or agitation during attacks

These headaches often occur in cycles and may happen multiple times per day.

How Does A Neurologist Diagnose Headaches and/or Migraines?

Detailed review of symptoms and headache history
Neurological examination
Review of potential triggers
Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans when appropriate
Evaluation for underlying neurological conditions

The goal is to identify the specific type of headache disorder and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Migraine and Headache Treatment Options
Treatment may include:

Preventive medications

Acute migraine therapies

Lifestyle modifications and trigger management

Botox injections for chronic migraines

Newer migraine-specific medications

Nutritional and sleep recommendations

Treatment for related neurological conditions

Many patients experience significant relief when headaches are accurately diagnosed and managed by a neurology specialist.

Find Relief from Chronic Headaches and Migraines

If headaches or migraines are affecting your daily life, the neurology team at AVALA Neuro can help. Our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans designed to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Don’t let headaches control your life. Schedule an appointment with AVALA Neuro today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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