Headaches
Relief from migraines and other chronic headaches.
Headaches & Migraines can consume your day...
But they do not have to anymore.
Between 50-80% of headaches are initially misdiagnosed. At Midwest Jaw Relief, we will investigate your unique headache symptoms to make sure you have the right diagnosis, so that you can get the right treatment.
Take back control of your day and find relief with a customized care designed to make a difference starting your first appointment.
Types of headaches we treat:
Migraines
Migraines are headaches that usually occur on one side of your head, last longer than three hours, and will often make you nauseous. Some people notice visual disturbances or “auras” in the hours before the headache starts.
Treatment: If you only have a few headaches per month (Episodic Migraine), treatment normally involves stopping the headaches as soon as they start with various kinds of medication. If you have headaches more than half the days of the month (Chronic Migraine), we would take a preventative approach using medications to stop the headaches before they start. Some of these options include Botox injections, or new neurostimulation devices that avoid the use medication all together.
Tension Type Headaches
Tension headaches often feel like a band or “vice grip” around your head. They can last from half an hour to days.
Treatment: If lifestyle changes are ineffective in treating your headache, we can consider certain medication to get your pain under control. If your heads come only a few times throughout the month (Episodic tension type headache), treatment normally involves stopping the headaches as soon as they start with over the counter medication. If you have headaches more than half the days of the month (Chronic tension type headache), we would take a preventative approach using medications to stop the headaches before they start.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches or “ice-pick” headache are often described as intense periods of stabbing pain through one of the eyes. They can last from 15 minutes to up to three hours. Headaches are often accompanied by feelings of restlessness or “sand in the eye” sensations. You may also notice a runny nose or a droopy eye during the attack.
Treatment: Cluster headaches are managed with oxygen therapy as soon as they start. If oxygen isn’t effective, various other medications can be tested to prevent the headaches from starting in the first place.
Other Chronic Headaches
We also diagnose and manage several other uncommon headache disorders including:
- Headache Attributed to TMD
- Paroxysmal Hemicrania
- SUNCT
- SUNA
- Hemicrania Continua
- Primary Stabbing Headache
- Nummular Headache
- Hypnic Headache
- New Daily Persistent Headache
- Medication Overuse Headache
“Dr. Guthrie immediately put me at ease. I am often very anxious when is comes to needles, but he was so reassuring and efficient. I feel much more confident going into future appointments.
– Julie C.
“Getting Botox injections for my migrianes was the best decision I have ever made. Dr. Scott was really great at communicating what to expect and I always left feeling like I was very cared for and like my pain was a big deal. I’d highly recommend him to anyone with migrianes. “
– Carissa L.
FAQs
What types of headache do you treat?
We treat all primary headaches and some secondary headaches including:
- Migraines
- Tension Type Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
- Headache Attributed to TMD
- Paroxysmal Hemicrania
- SUNCT (Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing)
- SUNA (Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms)
- Hemicrania Continua
- Primary Stabbing Headache
- Nummular Headache
- Hypnic Headache
- New Daily Persistent Headache
- Medication Overuse Headache
- Primary Exercise Headache
- Primary Headache Associated with Sexual Activity
- Primary Thunderclap headache
How do you treat migraines?
Many migraines can be managed with over the counter medications, however if those do not work for you we still have several treatment options. Triptans were the first type of medication used to treat migraine and many of them are still effective today. More recently, new medicines have been developed called CGRP inhibitors which target specific migraine symptoms with fewer side effects.
What are CGRP inhibitors?
CGRP Inhibitors are migraine specific medicines that target chemicals in the brain that start the headache attacks. They can be taken as needed to stop a headache or taken everyday to prevent an attack. Newer options include injectables that only have to be used once per month.
Does Botox work for Migraines?
Yes, about 50% of people have success with botox treatment for migraines. Once administered, it’s effects can last up to 3-4 months.
Is my only option medication?
No, there are other options including lifestyle changes or neuromodulation technologies. For example, newer devices have been developed to deliver electrical or magnetic pulses to the brain to stop or prevent migraine attacks.
How often do I have to come in to help my headaches?
It depends on your diagnosis. Headache treatment can range from a single visit to more frequent check-ins. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific headache symptoms, with the goal of you being empowered to manage your pain without continuous visits or invasive procedures. If you continue to receive medication, we will often see you on a 6 month basis to monitor your progress.
How do I know what type of headache I have?
The best way to get a definitive diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with a provider who has had advanced training in managing headache disorders, such as an Orofacial pain specialist or headache neurologist. With uncommon headache symptoms, a primary care provider may not have the training to diagnose your specific headache condition.
It's easy to get started.
1.
Book a new patient appointment with Dr.Guthrie
2.
Receive a diagnosis and treatment plan for your pain
3.
Experience the joy that comes with relief from your headaches.