headache center

A headache is a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can vary in intensity, duration, and location. Most headaches are not a sign of a serious medical condition, but they can affect your quality of life if they happen frequently or are severe.

There are over 150 types of headaches, but the most common include:

1. Tension Headaches – The most common type, often described as a dull, aching pain or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck.

2. Migraine Headaches – Often intense and throbbing, migraines can last hours to days and may come with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and visual disturbances (auras).

3. Cluster Headaches – Extremely painful headaches that occur in cycles or clusters, typically around one eye.

4. Sinus Headaches – Caused by inflamed sinuses, often with facial pressure and congestion.

5. Medication Overuse Headaches – Caused by frequent use of headache medications.

Headaches and migraines are often confused, but they are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and impacts on daily life. A typical headache involves a dull or pressure-like pain that is usually felt on both sides of the head or across the forehead. It can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours and is commonly caused by factors such as stress, dehydration, poor posture, or fatigue. Headaches generally do not involve additional symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraines, on the other hand, are a more severe type of headache that often includes throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head. Migraines can last from four to seventy-two hours if left untreated and are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or even smells. Some people experience a visual disturbance called an aura before the migraine begins, which may include flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag patterns.

While a headache might be uncomfortable, migraines are often debilitating and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function. Common migraine triggers include hormonal changes, lack of sleep, specific foods like chocolate or aged cheese, caffeine, stress, and sensory stimuli such as bright lights or loud noises.

If you experience frequent or severe head pain, especially with additional symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. A neurologist can help determine whether you’re experiencing migraines and recommend appropriate treatment options.

A migraine headache typically lasts between 4 and 72 hours if untreated. The exact duration can vary from person to person and even from one episode to the next. Some people may experience shorter attacks, while others may have migraines that last for several days.

Migraine attacks often occur in phases:

1. Prodrome – Subtle symptoms like fatigue, food cravings, or mood changes that can begin up to 24 hours before the headache starts.

2. Aura (in some cases) – Visual or sensory disturbances that usually last 20 to 60 minutes.

3. Headache phase – The main migraine headache, which may include throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. This phase typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours.

4. Postdrome – After the headache subsides, people often feel drained or foggy for up to 24 hours.

If you or someone you know is experiencing migraine symptoms that last longer than 72 hours, especially if they do not respond to medication, it’s important to seek medical care, as this could indicate a more serious condition such as status migrainosus.

Headaches can be debilitating, depending on their type, severity, and frequency. While many people think of headaches as a minor inconvenience, some forms—especially migraines and cluster headaches—can significantly interfere with daily life and functioning.

For example, a tension headache might cause mild discomfort and make it harder to focus, but a migraine can be completely disabling. Migraines often come with intense pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even visual disturbances. People with migraines may need to lie down in a dark, quiet room and are often unable to work, drive, or take care of routine responsibilities during an attack.

Similarly, cluster headaches—though less common—are considered one of the most painful types of headache. They occur in cycles and can wake a person from sleep due to the severity of the pain.

Even more routine or chronic headaches can become debilitating over time, especially if they occur frequently or are associated with other health issues. Chronic daily headaches, for instance, can have a major impact on quality of life, leading to missed work, disrupted sleep, and emotional distress.

In short, while not all headaches are debilitating, many can be—especially when they’re severe, recurrent, or part of a chronic condition. It’s important to seek medical evaluation if headaches are interfering with your daily life.

Yes, you can receive Botox injections to treat chronic migraines, but it’s not typically used for occasional headaches or tension-type headaches. Botox is FDA-approved specifically for adults who experience chronic migraines, which means having headaches on 15 or more days each month, with at least eight of those days involving migraine symptoms, and this pattern continuing for at least three months.

Botox works by blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in pain signaling. It’s injected into specific muscles in the head and neck area to help prevent migraines from occurring, rather than treating them once they’ve already started. People who receive Botox for migraines usually get injections every 12 weeks. While some notice improvement after the first round, it often takes two or three treatment cycles to see the full benefit.

The treatment is generally well-tolerated. Side effects can include neck pain or slight muscle weakness, but these are usually temporary. If you’re dealing with frequent, disabling migraines and haven’t found relief from other treatments, Botox may be a good option to explore. A neurologist can evaluate your symptoms, confirm whether you meet the criteria for chronic migraine, and help you decide if this treatment is right for you.

Preventing a migraine often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, awareness of personal triggers, and, in some cases, preventive medication. Since migraine triggers can vary from person to person, the first step is identifying what tends to bring on your migraines. This might include hormonal changes, certain foods, irregular sleep, stress, dehydration, or sensory stimuli like bright lights or strong smells.

Keeping a migraine diary can help you track patterns over time—note when migraines occur, how long they last, what you were doing, eating, or feeling before they began, and any other relevant details. This information can help you and your healthcare provider tailor a prevention plan to your needs.

Consistent habits can also make a big difference. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day, eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and managing stress with techniques like meditation or deep breathing can all help reduce the frequency of migraines. Regular physical activity is another helpful tool, though intense exertion might trigger migraines in some people—so it’s important to find the right balance.

For some, avoiding specific foods or beverages—like aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, alcohol, or excessive caffeine—can help. If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, your doctor might recommend a preventive medication or treatment, such as oral medications, CGRP inhibitors, or Botox.

Preventing migraines is often about learning how your body responds to different factors and making gradual changes to support long-term wellness. If migraines are frequent or severely affecting your quality of life, a neurologist can work with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

Start by finding a quiet, dark place to rest if you can—light and noise can make a headache worse, especially if it’s a migraine. Drink some water, as dehydration is a common cause of headaches. If you haven’t eaten in a while, a light snack might help, particularly if low blood sugar is contributing to your symptoms.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can be effective for many types of headaches, especially if taken early. If you think this could be a migraine and you’ve been prescribed a specific medication for it, take it as directed.

You might also try placing a cold compress on your forehead or the back of your neck, or a warm compress if your headache is due to tension. Some people find relief through gentle neck and shoulder stretches or deep breathing exercises, especially if stress or posture might be a factor.

If this headache feels different from your usual headaches, is unusually intense, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes, confusion, fever, or stiff neck, it’s important to seek medical care right away.

If your headache is persistent or severe and home treatments aren’t providing relief, it might be time to visit a healthcare professional. At Kane Hall Barry Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of neurological conditions, including chronic headaches and migraines. Our experienced providers can help assess the severity of your headache, identify possible underlying causes, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

As soon as you’re able, we recommend reaching out to your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for a referral to a neurologist. If you don’t have a PCP, you can contact a neurologist directly. For your convenience, you can reach our office at (817) 267-6290. If you’re already one of our patients, give us a call to see what options are available—we may even be able to offer a same-day injection or infusion to help break your headache.

At Kane Hall Barry Neurology, we offer comprehensive care and a range of treatment options, from medication management to advanced therapies for headaches and migraines. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment. Whether you’re experiencing frequent or debilitating headaches, we’re here to help determine the best treatment approach to improve your quality of life.

Don’t let headaches interfere with your day any longer. Schedule an appointment with us and take the first step toward relief. Our experts are here to help guide you toward a more comfortable, headache-free lifestyle.