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Headache
Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints, with roughly 45 million Americans suffering chronic headaches each year. For some, that means daily, almost debilitating, pain. For others, it's 
a tolerable symptom that may come and go with no apparent cause. For everyone who suffers from chronic headaches, the primary issue becomes quality of life. Living with chronic pain can affect your relationships and your ability to perform your job, and can even cause severe depression. It's important to realize you don't have to suffer. The experts at the INI can help determine what's causing your headache and determine a course of treatment that may dramatically improve your quality of life.
Types of Headaches & Their Treatment
Headaches are often classified as one of two types: primary or secondary. Primary headaches are not associated with any underlying medical condition, so it may be difficult to pinpoint a specific cause, such as allergies to food or environment, stress, hormones and more.
Secondary headaches are associated with medical conditions like infection, tumor, hypoglycemia, etc.
Common primary headaches include:
- Tension
- Cluster
- Sinus
- Migraine
Why Choose the INI for Treatment?
We provide state-of-the-art comprehensive care through a combination of the most advanced technology available, a team of specialists who work together to provide a holistic approach to treatment, and a focus on each patient's individual needs. You'll receive world-class care, right here in Central Illinois.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You can help your doctor discover the cause of your headaches by keeping a headache diary prior to your first office visit. Some items to note include:
- Date and time of day headache occurs
- Type of pain: dull, aching, throbbing, piercing, etc.
- Other symptoms accompanying the headache, such as nausea or vomiting, dizziness, head/neck muscle tension, other senses affected
- Location of the pain
- How long the headaches last
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications you take and how often
- Where were you when the headache occurred: home, office, shopping, etc.?
- What was the weather like when the headache occurred?
- Were you exposed to odors, chemicals or smoke?
- Had you eaten a meal or snack recently, or had you missed a meal?
- What foods/beverages you consumed and when within the last 24 hours
- A history of headaches in your family
After reviewing your medical history and the answers to questions like these, your physician may order blood work, a CT scan, or neurological or ophthalmological tests to help diagnose the cause of your headaches.
Signs You Need to See a Doctor Immediately
Take the following symptoms seriously. If you cannot see your health care provider immediately, go to the emergency room or call 911 if:
- This is the first headache you have ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities
- Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent
- Your headache is associated with slurred speech, change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion or memory loss
- Your headache gets progressively worse over a 24-hour period
- Your headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting
- Your headache occurs with a head injury
- You are over age 50 and your headaches just began, especially with impaired vision and pain while chewing
For more information about headaches, please visit one of the links below:
