Headache

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, but their impact can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious disruption of daily life. Because they have many different causes and patterns, understanding what type of headache you’re experiencing is key to finding the right relief and treatment approach.

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What are headaches?

Headaches are a common health condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. They can range from mild pressure to intense, throbbing pain and may last anywhere from minutes to days. Headaches are often classified into types—such as tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches—each with distinct triggers and symptoms.

Headaches are among the most common neurological conditions, ranging from mild tension to severe pain that can disrupt daily life. Nearly 90% of people in the United States experience headaches at some point in their lives. They may result from muscle tension, changes in blood vessels, chemical imbalances, sleep disorders or nerve signals from the head and neck. In some cases, headaches can also be a symptom of an underlying systemic condition.

We evaluate and treat

Migraine
Tension-type headache
Cluster headache
Post-traumatic headache after concussion or TBI
Cervicogenic headache and other secondary headache disorders

Common symptoms

Common headache symptoms include:

Steady pressure or tightness in the head or neck (tension-type)
Throbbing or pulsing pain, typically with light or sound sensitivity (migraine)
Worsening pain with movement, or onset from stress, weather, or sleep disruption

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Our diagnosis process

Headaches are diagnosed through a clinical assessment that reviews symptom patterns, medical history, and potential triggers, sometimes supported by physical exams, neurological evaluations, or imaging tests to rule out underlying conditions.

Clinical evaluation
An in-depth discussion of symptoms, patterns, triggers, and family history, plus a focused neurological exam.

Rule out secondary causes
Assessment for dehydration, infection, medication effects, neck problems, or red flags that may require urgent workup.

Targeted diagnostics when indicated
Advanced imaging or lab tests for persistent, atypical, or red-flag headaches.

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Treatments

Our approach combines precise evaluation with personalized medication strategies to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Advanced diagnostics
We use state-of-the-art technology to accurately identify the source of your headaches and track your response to treatment. This may include:

3 Tesla (3T) MRI with advanced volumetric analysis to measure and track brain structures with exceptional accuracy.
High-resolution neuroimaging reviewed by expert neuroradiologists.
Additional targeted testing, as needed, to rule out underlying causes and refine your treatment plan.

Medication management
Our specialists customize acute and preventive medications to your individual needs. Options may include:

Acute treatments to stop headaches once they start, such as triptans or other rapid-acting agents.
Preventive therapies to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Adjustments to dosing and timing based on your response, side effects and lifestyle.
Botox® injections may be used for patients with chronic headaches to help reduce frequency and intensity by targeting overactive pain pathways in the head and neck.

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Why choose Salma Health?

We offer specialized neurologists who are dedicated to headache and pain medicine, offering personalized, data-driven care that evolves with you. We provide a blend of advanced diagnostics and evidence-based interventions alongside collaborative, compassionate support designed to meet your personal brain health needs.

Our approach to brain health care

We meet patients where they are to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment. Every patient is welcomed into an atmosphere of trust, comfort and support. Our team efficiently and collaboratively manages evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

We work with most major insurance providers to make care accessible. Not sure about your coverage? Our team can help verify your benefits and answer your questions.

We work with most major insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions

What types of headaches do you treat?

We evaluate and treat the full spectrum of primary and secondary headache disorders, including migraine (with or without aura), tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, post-traumatic headaches, and facial pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia.

How do I know if my headaches are migraines?

Migraines often present as throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Some people experience visual disturbances (aura) before the pain begins. A detailed clinical evaluation is the best way to confirm.

What can I expect at my first visit to Salma Health for headaches?

Your first appointment includes an in-depth discussion of your symptoms, triggers, and medical history, a neurological exam, and, if needed, advanced imaging or lab tests to rule out underlying causes. Together, we’ll design a personalized care plan focused on both immediate relief and long-term prevention.

Do I need imaging or lab tests for headaches?

Imaging and lab tests are not always needed to diagnose and treat headaches. Many headaches can be diagnosed through a thorough clinical evaluation alone. We only recommend imaging (such as MRI or CT) or lab testing when symptoms are atypical, worsening, or linked to other neurological concerns.

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference?

Lifestyle changes can play a major role in reducing both the frequency and severity of headaches. Simple adjustments—such as improving sleep quality, staying well-hydrated, practicing good posture, and maintaining balanced nutrition—help address common triggers. Stress management techniques can also lower the risk of recurring headaches. While lifestyle changes may not eliminate all headaches, they are a proven and effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We integrate these strategies into every care plan.

How quickly will I feel better?

Headache relief timelines vary depending on the cause, severity, and your treatment plan. Some patients notice improvement within days, while others see steady progress over weeks to months as preventive strategies take effect.

Do you coordinate care with my other doctors?

Yes. We believe in collaborative care. With your permission, we’ll share findings and treatment plans with your primary care provider, pain specialist, or other relevant clinicians.

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