Headaches are probably among the most universal of ailments and can occur in anyone. Usually, headaches will improve in time and will respond to rest and hydration or a dose of an OTC painkiller. Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep and hunger will trigger headaches. Most headaches are harmless and will not require a trip to the neurologist.

Once the headaches become more frequent and more severe to the point of impacting your daily life, you should see a neurologist. Once the headaches reach this point, you run the risk of a more serious underlying condition.

Types of Headaches

There are many different types of headaches, and the need for specialist care depends on the type of headache you are experiencing.

Tension Headaches

Stress and tension are usually the cause of a dull, tight headache that can encircle the entirety of your forehead and/or the back of your head.

Migraine

A headache that is one-sided, a throbbing pain and is highly severe, can also be accompanied by a sensitivity of the stomach or bowels and can also be a sensitivity to light or sound.

Cluster Headaches

Headaches that can be highly severe and occur in clusters over a time period, can be highly painful, and can cause pain about the orbit of the eye.

Secondary Headaches

Headaches that can occur as a result of an injury, infection, or a high fever and are also a great number of headache disorders.

When to Visit a Neurologist

Most headaches aren’t a reason to go to the doctor, but there are definitely some exceptions. You should consider going to a neurologist for:

• Headaches that happen multiple times per month
• Headaches that are becoming more painful
• Pain that doesn’t go away with your regular medication
• Headaches that are sudden and severe, especially if they are warning signs
• Head trauma that results in headaches
• Headaches that wake you from sleep
• Worsening vision, such as blurriness or double vision
• Sudden loss of strength or sensation, and/or difficulty speaking
• Loss of balance or of your mental clarity
• Multiple migraines that prevent you from completing your daily activities

These could all be signs of a more severe neurological problem.

Frequent Headaches and their Causes

There are many common causes for frequent headaches; some may be more lifestyle-related, and others may be medically related.

Some of the more common causes are:

• Stress and anxiety
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Strain on your eyesight
• Changes in hormones
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Sinus infections
• Overuse of medication

Neurological disorders, such as brain tumours or stroke, are more uncommon.

Most headaches are not caused by serious illnesses, but headaches that have begun or become frequent should be evaluated by a neurologist.

Diagnosing Headaches

When assessing your headaches, a neurologist will want to know when your headaches started, how frequent they are, how long they last, and how they may be improved or worsened.

Diagnosis May Include

• Medical history
• Physical and neurological exams
• Vision exam
• Blood pressure check
• Blood test, if needed
• MRI or CT scan if a neurological condition is possible

Not every headache requires a brain scan. They are recommended only when symptoms show a possible medical condition.

Treatment Options

Headache treatment is determined by type and cause.

Tension headaches may benefit from better sleep, stress management, hydration, and regular exercise. Migraine treatment may require pain-relief medication as well as other preventive medications. If headaches are caused by a medical condition, treating that condition will likely reduce the headaches. Your neurologist will be the best resource to determine a treatment.

Emergency Headaches

Go to the emergency room if one of the following occurs:

• Headache of a different, more severe type and a head pain that is stronger than any other before
• Headache with loss of consciousness
• Headache with fever and a stiff neck
• Headache with seizures
• Headache with sudden loss of body function (weakness) and sudden loss of the ability to speak
• Vision loss
• Headache after a serious head injury

All of these headaches require urgent medical attention.

Conclusion

The majority of headaches are not serious. However, frequent and/or severe headaches should never be ignored. Consulting a neurologist will help to identify the cause and rule out serious conditions and will help with treatment. Your quality of life will improve with this attention to your health.

Royal Care Neurosciences has experienced neurologists who can treat patients suffering from headaches, migraines, and other neurologic conditions. Our patients have access to state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis. We focus on treatment strategies that are unique to each patient, and our goal is to help our patients find relief and return to living life the way they want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I see a neurologist for headaches?

You should go to a neurologist if you are experiencing frequent, severe, and even worsening headaches that do not respond to treatment. Headaches that are concerning are those that are accompanied by vision changes, weakness, and difficulty speaking.

2. Will I need an MRI for headaches?

Not necessarily. Usually, MRIs and CT scans are only done when there is a concern of an underlying neurologic condition, and when there is uncertainty with the diagnosis of the cause of the headaches.

3. Can headaches be caused by changes in lifestyle?

Yes. Hydration, sleep, stress levels, and even diet can cause headaches. Eating regular meals and exercising can also be used to manage headaches.