Headache Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment
Headaches can range from occasional tension headaches to daily, crippling chronic migraines. They can occur anywhere in the head, face, or neck. We work closely with our patients to determine the cause of headache. With the use of headache journals, dietary and lifestyle modifications, medication management, and involvement of the patient’s healthcare team, we hope to reduce patients’ headache attack frequency and severity.
Schedule an AppointmentHeadache Disorders
The International Classification of Headache Disorders classifies primary headaches into 4 categories – migraine, tension type, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias and other headaches. While headaches are quite common, chronic headaches or episodic, severe headaches can be debilitating and warrants an evaluation as it might be a symptom secondary to another condition such as a ocular disorder, nutrient deficiency, underlying medical condition or rebound headache caused from excessive use of over-the-counter medications.
Most people are unaware that orofacial pain specialists have formal training in treating both chronic and isolated headaches. The International Headache Society (IHS) separates headaches using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). This system divides headache into 4 main categories. The primary headaches include migraine, tension type headaches, trigeminal autonomic cephalgias and other primary headache disorders.
Dr. Kim has had many years of experience treating headache while in the orofacial pain residency. This included training under the guidance of neurologists, neurosurgeons and pharmacologists. She also had the opportunity to train with headache fellows at Mayo Clinic’s Headache Fellowship Program, the Pain Clinic at Cedars Sinai Hospital and neurologists in private practice. She regularly attends headache conferences held by the American Headache Society and Headache Cooperative of the Pacific.
What Are the Most Commonly Treated Problems
Migraine
Tension type headache
Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias (cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua, SUNCT, SUNA)
Other primary headaches
Medication overuse headache
Temporal arteritis
Schedule Appointment Now
It is not uncommon for an orofacial pain patient to have seen multiple medical and dental providers. The majority of sleep apnea patients are not aware that there are other alternatives to CPAP therapy. If you suffer from orofacial pain or sleep apnea, call us today to schedule a consultation.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Headache
Treatment Options May Include
- Pharmacotherapy (medications)
- Trigger point and nerve block injections
- Botox injections
- Life-style, diet and sleep hygiene modifications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of headaches typically begins history-taking and and recording headache quality, duration, and severity. It is also important to communicate any family history of headaches, potential triggers and if there are any associated symptoms such as eye tearing, nasal congestion, eye redness or numbness.
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is created with the patient. Preventative medications may include tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, NSAIDs, and CGRP antagonists. Abortive medications may also be prescribed.
Dr. Kim will also assess life-style issues that may aggravate headaches. This may include sleep disturbances, posture, caffeine-use, screen-time overuse, and diet.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
It is not uncommon for an orofacial pain patient to have seen multiple medical and dental providers. The majority of sleep apnea patients are not aware that there are other alternatives to CPAP therapy. If you suffer from orofacial pain or sleep apnea, call us today to schedule a consultation.