Essential Treatments to Combat Headaches
Jul 25, 2024
Headaches are a prevalent ailment that affects about 40% of the global population, disrupting daily life and productivity. Though occasional headaches might be remedied with rest and hydration, chronic and severe headaches often require a more comprehensive approach.
Our New England Institute for Neurology and Headache team in Stamford, Connecticut, has expertise in combating headaches, providing various treatments.
They include:
Medications are often the first line of defense against headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can be effective for mild-to-moderate headaches.
For more severe headaches, we may prescribe medications. If you suffer from chronic headaches, preventive medications like beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Behavioral interventions play a vital role in managing headaches, particularly tension-type headaches and migraines. Stress management techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and relaxation exercises can significantly reduce headache frequency.
Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and maintaining a consistent daily routine also contribute to headache prevention.
CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) is a molecule involved in the pathophysiology of migraines. Medications target and block CGRP, reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. We typically administer these injections monthly, which have shown promising results in clinical trials.
Botox injections, commonly known for their cosmetic uses, are also an effective treatment for chronic migraines. Administered every 12 weeks, Botox works by blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in pain transmission. This treatment can significantly decrease the number of headache days if you suffer from chronic migraines.
Ketamine infusions are emerging as a treatment for refractory headaches, particularly cluster headaches and migraines that don’t respond to other treatments. Ketamine is an anesthetic that has potent pain-relieving properties. Administered intravenously, it can help alleviate severe headache pain and reduce the frequency of attacks.
An occipital nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid into the area around the occipital nerves, located at the back of your head. This treatment can provide relief for occipital neuralgia and certain types of migraines. It works by numbing the nerves and reducing inflammation, thereby alleviating headache pain.
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a group of nerves linked to headache pain. A nerve block targeting the SPG involves applying a local anesthetic to your nasal passages to reach the ganglion. This procedure can be effective for cluster headaches and migraines, offering pain relief and reducing headache frequency.
Neuromodulation involves using devices to alter nerve activity associated with headaches. Techniques like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) can help manage chronic headaches. We use these devices to modulate nerve signals, which reduces pain and prevents headache occurrences.
Did you know that certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, can trigger headaches? Conversely, a diet rich in magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and riboflavin (vitamin B2) can help prevent them. Staying hydrated and having a consistent eating schedule are also important for headache prevention.
If you suffer from headaches, no matter how mild, severe, or often, we can help. We tailor our treatments to your needs and provide you with a personalized plan. To book an appointment with us at New England Institute for Neurology and Headache, contact us now.