Headache

Headaches and their accompanying symptoms can sometimes become disabling. If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, the Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute team can help. At offices in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia, the practice’s highly skilled neurologists use cutting-edge treatments like medical Botox® injections and nerve blocks to treat headache and migraine pain. Call Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute today or schedule an appointment online for exceptional headache diagnosis and treatment.

What is a headache?

A headache can cause throbbing or stabbing pain sensations on one or both sides of the head. The two main classes of headaches are primary headaches, which stem from overactive nerves in the head, and secondary headaches, which can result from injuries, infection, or a tumor.

A migraine is a primary headache that causes intense, sometimes blinding head pain, often with other symptoms like nausea, vision changes, and sensitivity to light or sound. It can last for hours or even days and may be so painful that it stops you from doing everyday activities.

Headache and migraine triggers can include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Bright lights and loud noises
• Hormone changes
• Certain foods like chocolate, aged cheese
• Dehydration
• Changes in weather

Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute offers high-quality care for headaches and migraines in people aged 17 and up.

The board-certified neurologists work together to identify what’s causing your headache and create a care plan to treat and prevent headaches and migraines.

When should I schedule a medical evaluation for headaches?

Schedule an evaluation at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute if you have frequent or severe headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes.

You can also meet with the providers if you have chronic migraine symptoms, such as:

• Throbbing, pulsing pain (usually on one side of the head)
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
• Blurred vision
• Aura — seeing flashing lights, wavy lines, or other visual disturbances
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

The physicians review your medical history, complete a physical exam, and discuss your diet to understand potential headache triggers better.

In some cases, the team may order MRI or CT scans, blood tests, and/or a neurological exam.

How are headaches treated?

The Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute’s medical specialists may prescribe medications to ease the persistent pain of tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines.

Migraine treatment depends on how often and how severe your migraines are. Options include:

• Regular sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medicines
• Special migraine drugs like triptans that help stop an attack
• Daily preventive medications to reduce how often migraines happen
• Other therapies like biofeedback, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Interventional pain management treatments like medical Botox® injections and nerve block injections are also available.

Call Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute or book an appointment online today if you need help with headaches or migraines.