Headaches can be debilitating and affect everyday life so finding treatment for headaches can improve health and wellbeing. The most common neurological disorder is headaches so visiting a private doctor could help long term conditions.
As an isolated symptom, it is very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease, but nevertheless, it is often still a significant problem for the patient. It affects almost everyone occasionally, becoming a significant problem for an estimated 40% of people in the UK at some time in their lives.
Migraines affect 15% of the UK adult population and up to 100,000 people are absent from work or school because of migraine on any one day in the UK. This represents an enormous cost burden to employers.
Types of headaches
A headache is classified as ‘primary’ if there is not a structural abnormality (such as a tumour) or another clear trigger for it such as a head injury. The most common primary headache conditions are migraines and tension-type headaches.
Migraine headaches
Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, severe throbbing headaches with accompanying nausea. The discomfort is worsened by bright light and loud noise. They can last anywhere between four hours and three days and the headache needn’t be the most troublesome symptom.
Tension headaches
Tension-type headaches in its ‘episodic’ subtype affects up to 80% of people from time to time and is often referred to as a ‘normal’ or ‘ordinary’ headache. Consequently, most are treated without reference to physicians, using over-the-counter (OTC) medications which are generally effective.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are much less common than migraines or tension headaches but are intense and frequently recurring.
Medication-overuse
Medication-overuse headaches are usually characterised by a chronic daily headache. This is the most common cause of ‘secondary’ headache and often presents in combination with migraines, or mild head or neck injury.
Caffeine overuse or withdrawal and a number of other medical conditions such as anaemia and thyroid problems can also cause headaches.
Dr Paviour’s Treatment for Headaches
Dr Paviour uses the latest technology to diagnose and find treatment for headaches. He will discuss your symptoms and medical history during your private consultation. He will also carry out a physical examination and relevant tests. These might include blood tests, imaging of the nervous system (MRI or CT) and electrical testing of nerves and muscles (EMG) or brain function (EEG).
Dr Paviour sees private patients at:
Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon
HCA Sydney Street, Chelsea
The London Clinic, 116 Harley Street
If you need treatment for headaches, then you can make an appointment today to speak to him. Feel free to contact us and we will discuss any symptoms and how Dr Paviour can help.
