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

Our customers say

Sergio DCM
Es increíble el trato y la cordialidad de las recepcionistas para resolver los temas de los pacientes que acudimos a la consulta, así como también la profesionalidad de los doctores, sus ayudantes y enfermeras.
Les estoy muy agradecido!
Jose Donate
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por tu valoración José! Saludos
Raquel Ibañez Martínez
Atención impecable, pendientes en todo momento, el equipo forma un tándem perfecto. Está unidad es increíble para como tú llegas con tanto dolor y resuelven todo lo antes posible para sentir alivio. Matrícula de Honor!!!!
Response from the owner:¡Gracias Raquel por tu reseña y recomendación! En MIVI Salud nos enorgullece brindar un trato maravilloso y soluciones efectivas a nuestros pacientes. ¡Esperamos verte de nuevo en nuestra clínica cuando lo necesites! Saludos
M.jesus Villadiego chaves
Entre en el hospital sin poder andar y mover el hombro izquierdo, gracias a la profesionalidad y paciencia de Alicia puedo hacer una vida normal, gracias a todos y en especial a ti Alicia por poder el trato recibido .
Maria Dolores Moya Jurado
Gran doctor, excelente profesional, muy noble y tiene mucha empatía con los pacientes,
Ojalá todos los doctores se interesarán por los pacientes como lo hace él.
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias María Dolores por las 5 estrellas. Nos alegra saber que tuvo una excelente visita con el Dr. En MIVI Salud estamos para ayudar a nuestros pacientes de la mejor forma posible. Un saludo.
Bruce Grindley
Recientemente me sometí a un procedimiento para aliviar un dolor considerable en mi espalda, después de caerme por un tramo de escaleras y dañarme la columna en tres lugares. Este procedimiento lo realizó el Dr. Santiago con la asistencia de Patricia Rodríguez Mederos de Mivi Salud Tenerife, en un quirófano del Hospital Quirón de Adeje, Tenerife, lo que me resultó mucho más cómodo que tener que subir a Sta Cruz. .

Desde que llegué fui muy bien atendido, primero por Atanay quien me preparó para el procedimiento y por Erika quien asistió al Dr. Santiago y Patricia en el quirófano. Me ofrecieron un gotero para ponerme en el brazo, con un sedante para mantenerme relajado, ya que el procedimiento se iba a realizar con anestesia local, en lugar de ponerme a dormir.

Sin embargo, rechacé el sedante porque las sonrisas de bienvenida y las garantías de todos los involucrados me tranquilizaron y no tenía ninguna preocupación. Realmente hace una gran diferencia ser tratado por estas personas tan profesionales, que me mantuvieron tranquila y relajada durante todo el tiempo que estuve allí.

Realmente no puedo elogiarlos lo suficiente y la buena noticia es que lo que hicieron fue muy exitoso y mi dolor de espalda se ha reducido considerablemente.

I recently underwent a procedure to relieve substantial pain in my back, after falling down a flight of stairs and damaging my spine in three places. This procedure was carried out by Dr Santiago with the assistance of Patricia Rodriguez Mederos of Mivi Salud Tenerife, in an operating room in the Quiron Hospital in Adeje, Tenerife, which was much more convenient for me, rather than having to go up to Sta Cruz.

From the moment I arrived, I was very well taken care of, firstly by Atanay, who prepared me for the procedure and by Erika who assisted Dr Santiago and Patricia in the operating room. I was offered a drip to be put in my arm, with a sedative to keep me relaxed, as the procedure was to be done using a local anaesthetic, rather than putting me to sleep.

However, I declined to have the sedative because the welcoming smiles and assurances from all concerned put me perfectly at ease, and I had no concerns whatsoever. It really makes a huge difference when being treated by these very professional people, who kept me calm and relaxed throughout the whole time I was there.

I really cannot praise them enough, and the good news is that what they did was very successful, and my back pain has been greatly reduced.
Response from the owner:Thank you Bruce for the 5 stars and for trusting our services and Dr. Santiago and his team. At MIVI Salud, we're here to help our patients in the best way possible. Best regards.
Jordi Torrubia cazorla
Atención de 10, tanto en la recepción, la chica es super amable, como en atención con el doctor y enfermeras.
Recomendable al 100%.
jaume mateo
El Dr. Xavier Morales nos ha tratado de maravilla y nos ha aconsejado y explicado muy bien. Con palabras entendibles. Llevamos unos años que nos atiende y estamos encantados con el.
Response from the owner:Nos alegra mucho saberlo, Jaume! En MIVI Salud, nos esforzamos por ofrecer siempre el mejor cuidado para nuestros pacientes. Estamos aquí para cuidar de ti. ¡Gracias por tu confianza y fidelidad! Saludos
Johanna B
La mejor clínica de fisioterapia de Fuengirola. Mi marido y yo hemos venido varias veces a lo largo de los años y siempre nos dan soluciones.
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por tu confianza y la de tu familia Johanna! Es un orgullo para nosotros ser tu elección por tantos años a la hora de elegir MIVI Salud en ciudad y esperamos seguir siéndolo. Saludos
Adalberto Martin Rodriguez
Un gran equipo de profesionales, muy satisfecho con el trabajo, con los resultados y sobre todo el trato con el paciente.
Response from the owner:Adalberto, agradecemos mucho tu recomendación y confianza en MIVI Salud en ciudad. Siempre estaremos aquí para brindarte la mejor atención. ¡Gracias por elegirnos!

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