Headache Care

Your headaches often mean more than mild discomfort. They can seriously change how you work, sleep and get through the day. And if you have migraines, symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light can be unbearable. Ascension care teams can work with you to help with your headache or migraine challenges.

We’re here to support you with the goal of easing your immediate symptoms — and creating a customized care plan to help you with long-term relief.

Comprehensive care, delivered with compassion

Ascension neurologists specialize in headache care, providing diagnosis and treatment for conditions including:

• Migraines.
• Cluster headaches.
• Sinus headaches.
• Tension headaches.

Partnering to help reduce your headache pain

First, our team of headache specialists will work with you to understand your symptoms and conduct a full evaluation. Together, we will develop a personalized care plan to match your diagnosis. We’ll explain your care plan and make sure you feel comfortable with your treatment options. And we’ll provide ongoing guidance, including nutrition advice, to help reduce your headache pain.

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Learn More About Headache Care

What do you know about headache care? Test your knowledge by using these resources:

• Migraine Headaches
• Overview: What is a Headache?
• Diagnosis and Treatment for Migraines
• Tension Headaches

Headache Care FAQs

What is a headache?

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain, and how often they occur. Almost all people have headaches during their life. The brain tissue doesn’t have pain-sensitive nerve fibers and doesn’t feel pain. But, other parts of the head can be responsible for a headache including:

• A network of nerves that extends over the scalp
• Certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat
• Muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders
• Blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain

What causes a headache?

Headaches are classified as primary or secondary.

• A primary headache means the headache itself is the main health problem. but other factors such as muscle tension or exposure to certain foods may be triggers. Other things that may help cause the headache include medicines, dehydration, or hormone changes.
• A secondary headache is related to an underlying health condition. An example of this would be a headache caused by a neck injury, eye problems, or an infection in the jaw, teeth or sinus .

What are the symptoms of a headache?

Headache symptoms depend on the type of headache. The frequency of headaches and the intensity of the symptoms may vary, too. Typical headache symptoms include:

• Slow start of the headache
• Head usually hurts on both sides
• Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head
• Pain may be in the back part of the head or neck
• Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe

Tension type headaches typically don't cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

The symptoms of a headache may look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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