New Medical Treatments for Headaches
Headaches are a common pain we all experience, and they come in many forms. Advancements in medicine has equipped medical healthcare professionals with life-changing tools.
Introduction to Migraine and Headaches
Headaches are caused by many factors, such as tension, swollen sinuses, stress, dehydration, and other medical conditions. The term headache is an umbrella term for pain or discomfort radiating through the face, neck or head and can vary in intensity.
Did you know that there are over 150 types of headaches? The most common include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Headaches can also sometimes result from underlying medical conditions like strokes, brain aneurysms, or infections. Learn when it is time to worry about a headache, the different certain types, and the warning signs of each in our article.
Migraine is often classified as a neurological disease that has many symptoms, the most common being a headache. Typically, migraines are more severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Those who suffer from migraine understand their debilitating nature and are often left with little answers on how to alleviate symptoms. (Patients have also been confused between the differences and similarities of migraines and brain aneurysms. Our article, “Migraine vs. Brain Aneurysm” explains the common symptoms and how to differentiate between these two conditions.)
Read on to learn more about the role of new medical treatments and advances.
The Role of New Treatment Trends
Lack of knowledge among healthcare providers is the principal clinical barrier when it comes to properly diagnosing individuals suffering from migraine. Due to their diagnostic challenges, variable severity, and the fact that they are an invisible illness, sometimes migraine headaches are reduced to a momentary experience rather than an actual condition. New medical treatment trends for migraine and headaches aim to provide more effective relief with the ability to target specific patient needs.
New Medical Treatments
As the understanding of migraine and headaches increases, so does the approach and options for treatments. Migraine and headaches are complex and require a multifaceted approach to treatment. Healthcare professionals must explore advancements in treatments to serve the best interests of their patients.
Acute and Preventative Medical Treatments
Acute and preventative medical treatment refers to caring for a patient with sudden conditions that require short-term care. These interventions aim to reduce the frequency and severity of certain health conditions. Over-the-counter pain relievers are a quick fix; however, sometimes severe headaches and migraine require a more methodological approach.
- Monoclonal Antibodies are engineered to target pain-signaling proteins called Calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) that are released from your body when experiencing migraine symptoms. Once they bind to these molecules, they can prevent pain receptors from releasing and causing migraine symptoms. They are typically administered through injections and are a great alternative for patients who are not responding well to other treatments.
- Gepants and Ditans are taken in pill form on an as-needed basis, rather than every few months like injectables require. Gepants work similarly to monoclonal antibodies by inhibiting CGRP. Ditans, target serotonin – a neurotransmitter in the brain – that has certain receptors which aid in regulating pain.
- Botox is a neurotoxic protein that is commonly used to relax facial muscles and prevent wrinkles. It can also be used as a treatment for chronic migraine. A medical professional will identify trigger points that contain overactive nerves and administer botox through injections. The toxin blocks the release of pain-inducing neurotransmitters.
- SPG Block is a type of injection that numbs the Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) which are a group of nerves behind the nose. These nerves are connected to and send pain signals to the brain by way of the trigeminal nerve. By injecting medication into this nerve, the SPG nerves are blocked communicating pain symptoms to the brain.
- Trigger Point Injections involve local anesthetics (nerve blocks), neurotoxins (botox), or steroid medications that are injected into the muscles surrounding the affected area. Steroids work differently from the others by reducing inflammation which ultimately relieves pressure over time.
Regardless of the kind of headache you experience, it is possible to find relief. Learn more about the symptoms and causes primary and secondary categories of headaches in our blog post, “Headaches: What It is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment”, so that you can be more informed.
You might also need to see a doctor if you have a high potential of having an aneurysm burst or show any stroke symptoms. We provide neurointerventional care and treatments at our specialized brain aneurysm and stroke clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
Recognizing the difference between potentially dangerous headaches and common ones is important in ensuring the well-being of yourself or a loved one. Find out more in our article “Is My Headache a Brain Aneurysm?” if similar thoughts race through your mind.
Explore Migraine Treatment Options with Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic
Wit the help of cutting-edge medical treatments and innovative approaches, patients can find faster and better relief from debilitating head pain. Creating a comprehensive care plan involves seeking medical assistance if you’re suffering from severe migraines or chronic headaches. You can do this either through your primary care doctor and/or neurologist who will connect you with a headache specialist such as Dr. Manish Taneja, for specific treatments including injections and more.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is a step ahead when it comes to treating headaches and migraine symptoms. Dr. Manish Taneja is a highly trained neurointerventional and headache specialist who is dedicated to patients and improving their quality of life.
Headache Assessment
Assessment of headache involves a detailed clinical assessment including history and physical examination. This is followed by imaging scan such as MRI/MRA which in most cases is done to exclude any structural cause of headache. MRI scan does not involve any radiation or contrast injection with no side effects and high degree of accuracy.
Most patients presenting with headache are managed medically with excellent response to treatment. There are various over the counter and prescription based medication available both for treating acute episodes of headache as well as to prevent episodes of severe headache. Newer injection based treatments given to prevent headache on a monthly or 3-4 monthly basis have added another dimension to treat patients effectively.
Additional Headache Management Techniques
Interventional headache management techniques are additional treatment option in these patients. These are offered to patients that do not respond to medical management or have significant side effects to medications. Often, these are combined with medical management in patients.
Interventional treatments include nerve blocks (usually ultrasound guided ) and botox injections. These treatments are usually done in clinic with patients able to go home immediately after treatment. There are more several types of neurointerventional treatments we offer to treat different problems that occur in the brain, spine, head, and neck. If you experience headaches, it can be a non-specific neurological symptom of brain aneurysm.
Consult a Seasoned Headache Specialist
Headaches can be burdensome. With a blend of advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge technologies, and compassionate care, Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, is here to help you find the freedom from headaches you deserve.
Dr. Manish Taneja, a certified neurointervention specialist based in Singapore, has extensive experience treating complex vascular and non-vascular disorders. He can provide expert guidance regarding treatment options considering your specific headache condition. Come in for a further evaluation and contact us today to schedule a comprehensive consultation.
Stroke Resources
Why Women Have a Higher Risk of Stroke
Women have a higher stroke risk due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that interact to create a unique set of risk factors in comparison to men.
We’ve Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management
Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a “brain attack”. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.
Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. Come in for an easy consultation and further evaluation with our stroke specialist in Singapore at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Supreme Vascular and Interventional Stroke Programs
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Could it be a brain aneurysm that ruptures, which means bleeding in the brain? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. Then what is the difference between unruptured (a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons) or ruptured brain aneurysm? If you’re wondering, then the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is here to help. It’s important to look out for the tell-tale brain aneurysm symptoms, signs, causes, and risk factors.
Dr. Manish Taneja has been performing brain aneurysm treatments since 1995 from surgical clipping to latest minimally invasive procedures. Each patient is unique as is the size and location of the aneurysm. Your brain has different conditions to treat the aneurysm and artery vessel walls of a blood vessel in the brain. This calls for personalised brain aneurysm treatment depending on your symptoms, family, history, medication, and more. A simple CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.