Headache Specialist in Duncan, Greenville, and Spartanburg, SC
Are Headaches Impacting Your Life?
When a terrible headache strikes, it can throw off your whole week. Headaches are among the most common neurological disorders, ranging from mild, occasional discomfort to severe, chronic pain that significantly disrupts daily life.
Board-Certified Neurological Treatment With Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurological Associates
Headaches can vary widely in type and intensity, including tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches, each with distinct symptoms and triggers. Tension headaches often arise from muscle tightness, stress, or poor posture, leading to a constant, dull ache around the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
Migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances known as auras. Cluster headaches, while less common, cause intense, stabbing pain around one eye or side of the head and tend to occur in cyclical patterns. Sinus headaches, often mistaken for migraines, result from sinus inflammation and cause pain around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes.
Are My Headaches Serious?
While most headaches are harmless, some may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
It is vital to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life,” headaches accompanied by confusion, difficulty speaking, or sudden weakness, or if you have a headache following a head injury or accident.
Severe headaches in individuals with a history of cancer, immune disorders, or recent neurological changes should not be ignored, as they may indicate a serious problem.
When Should I See a Neurologist for My Headaches?
If you are experiencing frequent, severe, or unusual headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter medications or significantly disrupt your daily life, it may be time to consult a neurologist. You should also consider seeking specialized care with a CONA neurologist if your headaches are becoming more frequent or intense over time, worsening despite standard treatments, associated with neurological symptoms like vision changes, weakness, or numbness, or triggered by physical activity, coughing, or sneezing. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing long-term complications and improving your overall quality of life.
Comprehensive Headache Diagnosis at CONA
At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates (CONA), our experienced neurology specialists provide comprehensive headache evaluations. This includes a detailed medical history review, headache patterns, potential triggers, and associated symptoms. Our team may recommend an MRI to assess brain structure and function to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions.
Personalized Headache Treatment and Management Plans
Once a precise diagnosis is made, our neurologists develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific type of headache you are experiencing. These plans may include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and medications. For patients with chronic migraines or cluster headaches, we may recommend more advanced treatments, including nerve blocks, Botox injections, or neuromodulation therapies. At CONA, we believe in a holistic approach to headache management, addressing pain’s physical and emotional aspects to provide lasting relief.
Schedule a Headache Evaluation at CONA
If you are struggling with frequent or severe headaches, early evaluation can help identify the root cause and prevent further complications. Contact the Neurology Center at Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates today to schedule a comprehensive headache assessment. Our dedicated team is here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
