Headache & Migraine

Daily chronic headaches represent a group of primary and secondary headache disorders that remain poorly understood and are often inappropriately managed. They are generally considered to consist of headaches that occur 15 or more days per month, for four or more hours per day, for at least six months. It affects an estimated four to five percent of the general population.

Migraine is an episodic disabling headache and affects 12 percent of the American adult population. It is thought to be an inherited disorder; most migraine patients have a family history of migraine. Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men; hormonal issues are thought to be the reason.

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that may be accompanied by nausea or dizziness. A migraine can last from hours to days.

A primary headache is caused by dysfunction or overactivity of pain-sensitive features in the head, and isn’t a symptom of an underlying disease. Chemical activity in the brain, the nerves or blood vessels of your head outside the skull, or muscles of the head and neck — or some combination of these factors — may play a role in primary headaches. Some people may carry genes that make them more likely to develop such headaches.

A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Any number of conditions — varying greatly in severity — may cause secondary headaches.

Tension-type headache is a nonspecific headache, which is not vascular or migrainous, and is not related to organic disease. The most common form of headache, it may be related to muscle tightening in the back of the neck and/or scalp. There are two general classifications of tension-type headache: episodic and chronic, differentiated by frequency and severity of symptoms. Both are characterized as dull, aching and non-pulsating pain and affect both sides of the head.

Medication-overuse headaches (MOH) can occur when pain relief medication, such as Analgesics – particularly butalbital, opioids, acetaminophen, aspirin, and ergotamine tartrate (Ergomar) – are taken frequently by an individual to relieve headaches. Some headache specialists believe the combination of analgesics is especially likely to cause headaches.

Medication-overuse headaches typically occur in patients who suffer from other headache disorders, such as migraines or tension headaches, and unfortunately the treatment can become the problem.

Through the excessive use of pain relievers, these headaches can transform into chronic daily headaches.

Hoag’s Headache Program is an insurance-driven program. Yet, some aspects of the program may not be covered by insurance, such as acupuncture or cognitive behavioral therapy. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their insurance provider to understand coverage.

To schedule an appointment with one of our headache and facial pain specialists, please call us at (949) 764-6066.

The Hoag Headache Program may take approximately four weeks, depending on specialist’s schedules. Rarely, if ever, is there a “cure” for headache. Long-term follow up is necessary in most cases.

Some patients will develop a phenomena of analgesic rebound headache. The overuse of medication leads to a self-perpetuating cycle. Under these circumstances, admission to the hospital may be necessary to break this vicious cycle.

Not necessarily. The program can be tailored based on the patient’s needs, allowing the patient to utilize existing counselors, therapists, and other specialists.

Chronic headaches and facial pain are not just treated with medication, but rather a full range of therapies. The Hoag Headache Program offers an integrated approach to caring for patients with headache pain by joining specialists from the medical, psychological, social and physical disciplines together, to better care for all aspects of the patient.

Every kind of headache and facial pain. The vast majority of headaches are secondary to migraine, but other structures may give rise to headache and facial pain. The program particularly adapts to the patients with long standing headache and facial pain who have exhausted all other treatment options.

All ages are accepted at Hoag’s Headache Program, including children. Headache is no respecter of age, from young to old, this condition may cover a lifespan.

There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to treating headache and facial pain. Pharmacological therapies include preventive medications, as well as rescue medications during the onset of headaches. Non-pharmacological therapies include physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback therapy. Botox therapy is another treatment option for headache. It is important to select a physician who is trained in botox therapy to relieve headache. Hoag’s Headache Program includes physicians specialized in the treatment of headache using botox.

Chronic headache is a chronic disorder. The goal the Hoag Headache Program is to reduce frequency and intensity of the headache pain and to improve quality of life in the patient.