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The headache and migraine management programme at QuirónSalud Torrevieja provides rapid access to specialists. Credit: QuirónSalud.
Avoiding extreme heat and staying hydrated are key to controlling headaches
Specialists at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja In relation to primary headaches, a neurological disorder which affects 74% of Spanish people, we stress the importance of prevention. Around 4% of patients also suffer from chronic headaches, which are characterized by pain that occurs at least 15 times per month.
Experts warn about the negative impact headaches have on the daily lives of people, especially in the case migraine, which is highly debilitating and can interfere with work, family life and social activities, leading to a significant reduction of quality of living. The condition is more prevalent in women.
“Headaches shouldn’t be considered normal if they interfere with everyday life.” It is important to consult a specialist in order to identify the type of headache and establish the most appropriate treatment,” explains Dr Erika Torres, Head of the Advanced Neurology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante.
Specialists emphasize the importance to identify the factors which can trigger headaches, and take preventive measures. Avoiding intense heat and sudden temperature changes, as well as maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, are all important.
Dr Torres says that simple steps can be taken to prevent migraines and other headaches.
Migraine is more than just headache pain
The most common types are migraine and tension headache. Tension-type headache, which affects over 60% of the population, is characterized by mild to medium pain. It’s usually caused by stress or musculoskeletal issues. The migraine, which affects about 15% of the population and is more common in women, causes moderate to severe pain, along with symptoms like nausea, dizziness and sensitivity to sound and light.
“Migraine, a complex disorder of the nervous system that extends beyond pain, is not a simple headache.” The specialist explains that in many cases patients suffer from disabling symptoms which affect their daily lives.
Aura is a temporary neurological phenomenon which can include visual disturbances, difficulty speaking or abnormal sensations.
“Aura” is a focal neurological symptom which can occur before pain. This is why it’s important to recognize and understand this symptom.
Treatments for headaches and migraine
Headaches can be managed both symptomatically and by using preventive measures. As part of migraine therapy, acute attacks are treated using medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or triptans.
If you suffer from recurrent migraines or migraines that are disabling, your specialist may prescribe a preventive treatment, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants and antiepileptics.
Dr Torres says that it’s important to start preventive treatment early in patients who suffer from frequent migraines. This will reduce the number and severity of attacks, as well as improve their quality of life.
In some cases, biological treatments are also an option for patients who have chronic or frequent migraines. The specialist explains that there are advanced therapies to block proteins implicated in migraine attacks. These treatments offer new therapeutic options for certain patients.
Headache prevention and management
A continuous patient follow-up, and direct contact with healthcare professionals are essential for ensuring agile, personal care.
“Having specialised unit allows us to provide an integrated approach to headache management combining diagnosis and prevention, as well as follow-up. This ultimately leads to better results,” concludes Dr Torres.
The specialist explains that the dedicated headache treatment programme at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante provides rapid access to Neurology specialists, who carry out an accurate diagnosis from the first consultation and guide patients towards the most appropriate treatment in each case.
The programme also includes consultations with neurological nurses, during which patients are educated, their lifestyle habits assessed and important hygiene and diet recommendations are made for headache prevention.
