Most often, a headache is caused by one of two things:
- An inflammation, spasm or stretching in the scalp; in the membranes that cover the brain and in the muscles of the face and jaw.
- A temporary distortion of the blood vessels that supply the brain. They tighten, then relax and expand. The enlarged blood vessels press against nerves, causing pain. A shortage of serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can cause the vessels to constrict
About 90 percent of all headaches are harmless episodes that can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers - alone or together with rest, ice packs or relaxation techniques. For more severe or ongoing pain, intervention by a specialist may be required. Mercy headache specialist Marc Lenaerts, MD, says, "With comprehensive individualized treatment which may include medication, avoiding known headache triggers and healthy lifestyle choices, chronic headache sufferers can resume a normal lifestyle once again."
Mercy offers a multidisciplinary approach to combating chronic and debilitating headache pain. Whether presenting in the tension, cluster or migraine class; headache causes are varied and individual. Our physicians begin with a thorough assessment of environmental, emotional and lifestyle factors that may provide clues to headache triggers. From the information gathered, Mercy's team develops treatment strategies to avoid these triggers and stop headaches before they start, toward the ultimate goal of relief from chronic headache suffering.
Mercy's headache team may also collaborate with neurosurgery, otolaryngology and ophthalmology experts to determine whether surgical, ENT or vision problems play a causal role. In every case, the Mercy Neurological Institute brings together the technology and professional expertise for optimal headache diagnosis and treatment. |
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