All about headache

Causes of headache

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms. It can have multiple causes, from occasional factors such as stress or lack of sleep, to more complex neurological diseases. The
most common causes of headache include
include:

Muscle tension or emotional stress
Hormonal changes (such as those associated with the menstrual cycle)
Dehydration or prolonged fasting
Visual problems or poor ergonomics
Sleep disorders
Excessive caffeine consumption or its withdrawal
Infections, sinusitis or fever
Cranial traumas
Use of certain drugs
Neurological disorders (such as migraines or neuralgias)

Identifying the cause is key to effective and personalized treatment.

Primary and secondary headaches

Primary headaches

They are those in which the pain is the disease itself, without an identifiable underlying cause. The most frequent are:

Migraine
Migraine: throbbing pain, usually unilateral, which may be accompanied by nausea, photophobia and phonophobia.
Tension headache
Tension headache: sensation of pressure or banding around the head, usually related to stress or fatigue.
Cluster headache (cluster)
very intense pain localized around the eye, in recurrent and brief episodes.

Secondary headaches

They are due to another pathology or underlying condition. Some causes of secondary headache are:

Sinusitis
Viral or bacterial infections
Arterial hypertension
Cranial traumas
Cervical spine disorders
Tumors or intracranial lesions
Abuse of analgesic drugs

It is essential to
rule out serious causes
when pain is persistent, sudden or accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Headache prevention

Adopting certain healthy habits can help prevent the onset or reduce the frequency of headaches. We recommend:

Maintain good sleep
sleep hygiene
Regular physical exercise
Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
Taking care of your diet and avoiding long fasting periods
Correct bad posture and avoid cervical overexertion.
Learning stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, etc.)
Identify and avoid personal triggers (noises, intense lights, certain foods, etc.).

In cases of recurrent or disabling headaches, it is important to consult a specialist.

Types of headaches

Migraines

The migraine is a form of cephalea (headache) that usually manifests itself in an intense and incapacitating way. In addition, it is usually accompanied by other manifestations such as vomiting, intolerance to light, sound, among others. The pain is usually located in the frontal or lateral part of the head, it is usually recurrent (episodic), throbbing and affects one part of the head with more intensity.

For more information click here.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

The
trigeminal nerve
is the largest cranial nerve in the human body and one of the most important from a functional point of view. Its name refers to its structure, since it is composed of three main branches: the
ophthalmic nerve
the maxillary
maxillary nerve
and the
mandibular nerve
. This nerve has a mixed function
mixed
which means that it participates in both sensory
sensory transmission
as well as in the
motor innervation
. On the one hand, it picks up the sensitivity of almost the entire face, and on the other hand, it activates the muscles responsible for chewing.
chewing
. In addition, it also plays an important role in controlling the muscles that contribute to the ventilation of the middle ear.
ventilation of the middle ear
This explains why an alteration in the mandibular musculature can influence discomfort or dysfunction at the level of the ear. Due to its size and complexity, the trigeminal nerve can be involved in multiple clinical conditions affecting the cranial, cervical and mandibular region.
cranial, cervical and mandibular region.
.

For more information click here.

Arnold's neuralgia

The
Arnold’s neuralgia
is a pain that produced in the cervical region manifests itself especially in the occipital region. It usually presents as a constant stabbing pain in the form of an electric shock or numbness perceived in the occipital part of the head.

For more information click here.

Facial Neuralgia

Atypical facial neuralgia, also called persistent idiopathic facial pain, is a pain that is often confused with trigeminal neuralgia and that is why many patients have this incorrect diagnosis that leads to treatments that are not entirely correct.

For more information click here.

Diagnosis and treatments for headache

Diagnosis

At MIVI Salud we perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and type of headache:

Detailed medical history
Neurological and cervical examination
Complementary tests
if a secondary cause is suspected (MRI, CT scan, blood tests, etc.)

A proper diagnosis is the first step in addressing treatment effectively.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type of headache and its cause. At MIVI Salud we apply a comprehensive approach that may include:

Pharmacological treatment

Migraine-specific analgesics (triptans)
Anti-inflammatories
Preventive medication for frequent headaches
Supplements or adjuvant medication

Physiotherapy and manual therapy

Techniques for treating cervicogenic headaches
Manual therapies and myofascial release
Dry needling and postural exercises
Movement reeducation and ergonomics

3. Interventional pain treatment

Occipital or cervical nerve blocks
Image-guided infiltrations
Radiofrequency in chronic and refractory cases

Real relief for your headache at MIVI Salud

Not all headaches are the same, and at MIVI Salud we know that. That’s why we offer you a multidisciplinary team with experience in the medical, neurological and physiotherapeutic approach to headaches.

Recover your quality of life with a personalized and evidence-based treatment.

Make an appointment with our specialists and start living without pain.

Here begins your life without pain

Book appointment

elena casado gomez

Paula y Silvia buenisimas recepcionistas, super amables y atentas!! :)

Carlos Luzón

FRANCISCO DUCA Y SU EQUIPO SON LOS MEJORES QUE ME HAN TRATADO

Marc Guerrero

Muy buena experiencia, buen doctor

Janira Arnedo

Juan Carlos

Llegué con el hombro derecho bastante mal.
Tenía rotura parcial del tendón, bursitis y capsulitis. Llevaba meses casi sin dormir.
Gracias a ellos he pasado por 3 pequeñas intervenciones ambulatorias de quirófano y se me ha quitado el dolor.
Con el trabajo fantástico del personal de fisioterapia, a día de hoy he recuperado casi la totalidad del movimiento del hombro.
Mi agradecimiento a todo el personal que me ha tratado con toda la profesionalidad y el buen hacer de su profesión.
Muchas gracias.

Víctor de Minteguia Crespo

Miriam Diaz

Excelente trato

Oscar

Increíble como estaba de dolores desde que me levantaba y como estoy ahora después de una filtración. Encantado y muchísimas gracias a mivi y al dc. Duca!! Espectacular!!