CDH can occur from migraine headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches, or even a combination of different types of headaches. Patients with chronic daily headaches may live with head pain at all times, with varying degrees of intensity and varying degrees of debility arising from their headaches.
Associated symptoms of nausea, dizziness, photophobia, and other problems may accompany the symptoms of CDH. Many chronic headache patients can be helped with headache surgery as the inflammatory condition of nerve trigger points may play a central role in their headache and can be relieved by nerve release in headache surgery.
Chronic daily headaches can be debilitating. Patients should see a doctor for a comprehensive consultation and examination in the following situations:
•Headaches occur two or more times a week
•Pain reliever is needed nearly every day to control headaches
•The recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medication is not sufficient to reduce pain
•Headaches worsen or change in pattern
•Headaches minimize the ability to work or engage in normal activities
Several medications have been used to treat patients with frequent headaches. These include:
•NSAIDs. Prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve pain for some patients.
•Antidepressants. Many headache sufferers are prescribed tricyclic antidepressants to reduce headache pain, as well as the sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression that may accompany them.
•Anti-seizure drugs have shown efficacy in reducing chronic daily headaches and migraines in some patients.
•Beta-blockers, which are commonly prescribed to reduce high blood pressure, may be effective at managing episodic migraines.
•Botox. Botox and other botulinum toxin neuromodulators have recently become a popular method of treating headaches.
Nonpharmacological modalities may be more appealing to some people than prescription drugs for the management of chronic daily headaches. Options include acupuncture and massage. Both can provide relief from muscle tension and stress but may have a limited impact on moderate to severe headaches.
Patients who visit our Santa Barbara office can explore the benefits of migraine surgery as a treatment option for chronic daily headaches. Dr. Lowenstein performs precise testing to determine if the inflammation of a peripheral nerve is contributing to chronic pain. Peripheral nerve pain is a common factor in migraines as well as other types of headaches. Surgery relieves pressure on the affected nerve and thus reduces or eliminates pain.
Several strategies may help ease chronic daily headaches. These include:
•Identify and avoid triggers, such as caffeine. To do this, one may have to keep a headache diary and note when headaches occur and what happened beforehand, such as what foods were consumed.
•Get sufficient sleep. Studies suggest that insufficient sleep (less than 7 ½ hours) may contribute to headaches. Poor sleep could also be caused by a condition such as sleep apnea, which could also trigger headaches.
•Eat regularly. Skipping meals could lead to headaches, according to some studies.
•Exercise regularly. This reduces stress and promotes good circulation throughout the body.
•Manage stress. Stress leads to the release of certain hormones, as well as chronic muscle tension, both of which could cause headaches.
•Avoid medication overuse. Taking headache medications more than a few times a week could increase the frequency and severity of headaches.
Strategies to avoid chronic daily headaches may not work for everyone. If headaches continue, it is important to seek appropriate medical care. Dr. Lowenstein has particular training that enables him to identify the cause of chronic daily headaches so an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.
Be sure to check out Dr. Lowenstein’s podcast for all the information you would need regarding chronic daily headaches and migraines. You can access the podcast through the site by clicking here!
If you are suffering from chronic daily headaches, give Dr. Lowenstein a call at 805-969-9004.
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