Can headaches also be treated with neurology?
January 26, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Louis Ackermann
Dear Doctor,
I hope you can help me with my concern. For several months, I have been suffering from severe headaches that significantly impact my daily life. I am 35 years old, working, and have two young children. The headaches occur both during the day and at night, and are accompanied by nausea. I have tried various painkillers, but only experienced short-term relief. My primary care physician has advised me to see a neurologist to determine the cause of my headaches.
I am very worried that it could be a serious condition, as the headaches are becoming more frequent and affecting my sleep. I feel physically and mentally burdened by this. Therefore, I wonder if neurology can help in treating headaches. Are there specific diagnostic methods to identify the cause of the headaches? What are the treatment options in neurology to alleviate headaches in the long term?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with your expertise in this area. I am willing to undergo all necessary tests and take therapeutic measures to finally be rid of my headaches.
Sincerely,
Luisa Winterberg
Dear Mrs. Winterberg,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of neurology. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe headaches that are significantly impacting your daily life. Headaches can have various causes, ranging from stress and lack of sleep to neurological disorders. It is important to determine the exact cause of your symptoms in order to initiate appropriate therapy.
In neurology, there are specialized examination methods to identify the cause of headaches. These include taking a medical history (asking the patient about their symptoms), neurological examinations such as testing reflexes and coordination, imaging procedures such as an MRI or CT scan of the head, and specific tests like a lumbar puncture to measure brain pressure.
Depending on the cause of the headaches, there are various treatment options available in neurology. For primary headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches, medications can be used to alleviate the pain. Non-pharmacological approaches like relaxation techniques, stress management training, or physiotherapy can also be helpful. For secondary headaches caused by another condition, it is important to treat the underlying disease.
It's good that you are willing to undergo all necessary examinations and take therapeutic measures. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a neurologist promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Please don't hesitate to share your symptoms and concerns with the doctor so that they can help you to the best of their ability.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey to relieving your headaches.
Best regards,
Louis Ackermann
