Understanding &
Treating Headaches
Headaches are a global health concern, impacting billions of people worldwide. They represent a significant public health burden, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
From the occasional tension headache to debilitating migraines, these conditions can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.
Finding relief from
headaches and migraines
Headaches encompass a diverse range of neurological experiences, characterized by pain or discomfort in any region of the head. This common ailment manifests in various forms and intensities, significantly impacting quality of life for millions worldwide.
Various types of Headaches
2 Cervicogenic headaches are usually referred pain from the neck. They can be characterized as head pain accompanying neck tightness or pain. Tightness can also be found in the trapezius, shoulders, or any other muscle below the neck.
5 Cluster headaches are a primary disorder characterized by severe, excruciating pain in cyclical patterns or “clusters.” They are among the most painful types of headaches and are often described as more intense than migraines. Cluster headaches get their name because they occur in groups or clusters over weeks or months, followed by periods of remission during which no headaches occur.
1
A migraine is a debilitating headache that affects many people during their lifetimes. It is described as a sharp intense pain that generally affects one side of the head, and can have increased pain around the eye. Migraines can also produce symptoms such at dizziness, vomiting, nausea, light and sound sensitivity. There are a few different causes for migraines. Metabolic issues such as inflammation or nutrient deficiencies can be triggers. Issues with neck mechanics is a leading factor in many migraines. There can also be issues with hormonal fluctuations, or food and other environmental factors. The latest research shows that abnormal activity in the brain can also cause migraines.
3 Tension headaches are usually described as a tight band around the entire head, or around the temples/back of the head. It usually is a dull, achy pain that can also radiate to the jaw. Many times these are caused by issues in the neck and jaw.
4 TNi s a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is one of the largest nerves in the head. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe, and sharp facial pain, often described as electric shock-like or stabbing. The pain typically occurs on one side of the face and can be triggered by everyday activities such as eating, talking, brushing teeth, or even a light touch to the face.
6 Post-traumatic headaches (PTH) are a type of headache that develops after a head or neck injury, such as a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or whiplash. These headaches are considered secondary because an underlying condition causes them—in this case, trauma to the head or neck. Post-traumatic headaches can vary widely in their presentation, severity, and duration, and they often resemble other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension-type headaches.
Conquering
your headaches
- Third highest cause of disability worldwide
- Headache is consistently the fourth or fifth most common reason for emergency department visits
- Accounts for approximately 3% of annual emergency department visits
Global population experiences headache disorders
American experience migraines or severe headaches
Females experience headache disorders
Males experience headache disorders
Related symptoms and conditions
Common Features Across Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Persistent pain lasting 3+ months 14
- Impact on physical and mental health1
- Potential for pain flares due to stress or activity
- Association with sleep problems, fatigue, and mood disorders
- Often require multidisciplinary treatment approaches
Understanding the interconnected nature of these conditions is crucial for effective management and treatment of chronic pain syndromes.
A Spectrum of Persistent Discomfort
- Headaches/Migraines
- Chronic migraine: 15+ headache days per month for 3+ months, with 8+ days showing migraine features
- Often comorbid with other chronic pain conditions
- Can transform into a chronic daily headache, resembling a chronic pain syndrome
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Severe, shooting facial pain along trigeminal nerve distribution
- Often triggered by touch or movement
- Chronic Back/Neck Pain
- Persistent pain in the spine, potentially radiating to limbs
- May involve muscle tension, nerve compression, or degenerative changes
- Fibromyalgia
- Widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues
- Frequently comorbid with chronic headaches
In the past, I have always resorted to medications to get rid of my chronic headaches. After being treated by Dr. Minh Tran, they completely went away, and I stopped taking medications. He tries his best to find the root of the problem rather than just prescribing something you don’t need.
Diagnostic Protocol for Headaches
Our cutting-edge program integrates a diverse array of therapies, each precisely calibrated to address your specific areas of deficit:
- High-precision computerized eye movement recording
- Detects subtle vestibular abnormalities often linked to certain types of headaches
- Provides quantitative data on eye movements and potential neurological issues
- Analyzes balance control under various sensory conditions
- Identifies potential vestibular or proprioceptive issues that may contribute to headaches
- Quantifies the interplay between visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems
- Maps brain wave patterns in real-time
- Identifies areas of abnormal neural activity associated with headaches
- Provides insights into potential neurofeedback treatment strategie
- Conducted by our team of expert neurologists
- Assesses cranial nerve function, muscle tension, and sensory processing
- Evaluates for any underlying neurological conditions or cervical spine issues
- Customized blood panels to screen for:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Inflammatory markers
- Autoimmune indicators
- Epley, Semont, and other maneuvers for BPPV treatment
- Customized repositioning techniques based on specific canal involvement
- Follow-up protocols to prevent recurrence
- Personalized dietary plans to support vestibular health
- Stress reduction techniques and sleep hygiene optimization
- Guidance on environmental modifications for symptom management
- Brain-boosting dietary protocols
- Stress reduction and sleep optimization strategies
Personalized treatment modalities
- Targeted medications based on headache type and severity
- Options may include triptans, NSAIDs, or preventive medications
- Botox injections for chronic migraine patients
- Nerve blocks and trigger point injections for tension-related headaches
- Nutritional supplements like riboflavin and coenzyme Q10
- Ketogenic diet strategies for select patients
- Acupuncture and biofeedback
- Mind-body techniques, including meditation and relaxation therapy
- Personalized sleep, diet, and exercise recommendations
- Stress reduction strategies tailored to individual needs
- CGRP inhibitors for treatment-resistant cases
- Participation in clinical trials for cutting-edge treatmenta
Find Out if the Norcal Brain Center Is Perfect for You.
View our treatments and book your free 30 minute in-person consult with one of our patient care coordinators.
