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University of Chicago neurologists provide a range of therapies for preventing, treating and managing migraine headaches including acute, chronic and cluster headaches.
Patient care is based on a scientific approach that applies wisdom gained first-hand through lab research into the treatment of challenging headaches. By studying the complex mechanisms within the brain which initially trigger headache pain, these neurologists develop better insights into effective treatments.
About Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches often are inherited. They may be triggered by stress, diet, insufficient sleep, hormonal changes and other factors. The Department of Neurology has a migraine headache clinic which focuses on the needs of these special patients.
Symptoms
Headache pain may be chronic (long-term) or acute (sudden onset with severe pain). Some migraine headaches arise in a predictable pattern, such as during a woman's menstrual cycle. Pain may be concentrated in a specific region of the head or widespread. Cluster headaches may develop several times in a single night, often after falling asleep.
Symptoms can include: intense pain or throbbing, often concentrated in a single region; nausea, sometimes with vomiting; blurred vision.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a detailed physical exam and medical history. Understanding each person's headache history and lifestyle habits can help physicians pinpoint the individual's causal factors and headache patterns. The medical team also analyzes each patient's lifestyle habits including diet, sleep, exercise, work activities and recreational activities.
MRI and CT scans are used as necessary to fine tune the diagnosis.
Occasionally, severe headache indicates another problem, such as a brain tumor. The comprehensive diagnostic process helps to rule out other possible conditions.
Treatment
Neurologists here use a comprehensive approach for treating migraine headaches. Physicians as well as scientists, these University of Chicago specialists focus on the precise cause of the person's headaches to guide their therapy recommendations.
Sometimes, migraine headaches can be treated or avoided by modifying lifestyle habits, without the use of medications. Lifestyle changes may include limiting caffeine or regulating sleeping habits.
Patients may benefit from the full spectrum of adjunctive and pharmacological treatments. Treatment is highly individualized, with careful attention to therapy selection based on the cause and nature of the person's symptoms. Medication dosage and duration are adjusted to individual needs. Over time, therapy may change as symptoms change.
In addition, neurologists work with other University of Chicago specialists in biofeedback and chronic pain management (anesthesia) to relieve headache pain.
Patients at the University of Chicago Hospitals may have access to clinical trials of the newest therapies for migraine headache.
U of C Research in Headaches
Researchers here are delving into the underlying neural mechanisms in the brain which precede migraine headaches. Some of these studies are directed at understanding why migraine headaches occur and what electrical activity corresponds to the auras that precede migraine headaches as well as the pain associated with the headaches.
Related Websites
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institues of Health
American Council for Headache Education (ACHE)
Ronda's Migraine Page (links to many headache related sites)
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