by Nesreen Suwan, M.D. 

 

Is it too much to ask? All you want is a life without debilitating headaches.

 

Are you among the millions of Americans affected by debilitating headaches? Do you find yourself a prisoner in a quiet dark room, disabled and unable to perform normal functions? Do headaches disrupt your life, cause you to break social commitments, and miss work? It does not really matter what type of headache is compromising your life, whether it is migraine, tension, cluster, sinus headache or a combination of these. You need to act fast to get your life back for yourself and for your loved ones, who need your presence in their lives. This will be the biggest gift that you can give in the new year.           

 

It is important to save your quality of life and treat debilitating headaches early, even if they are simply primary headaches without underlying serious medical conditions. Studies have concluded that debilitating chronic headaches cause the nervous system to become more sensitive, rendering more frequent, more severe and harder to treat headaches. As such, headache sufferers and their families come to believe that these debilitating headaches are a normal part of their lives. While severe primary headaches are not fatal, they do kill the quality of life of their victims. Headache sufferers frequently feel guilty over the disruption their headaches cause to others, and headaches add unbearable stress on relationships with spouses and families. Family members frequently feel stress over being unable to help the headache sufferer and for occasionally doubting the pain and suffering of their loved one. Along with guilt comes unhappiness, resentment, and anger that may kill the beauty of life.

 

It is also important to find out if headaches are related to serious underlying medical conditions. Those are called secondary headaches and they may need immediate attention.

 

Headaches are frequently treated with over the counter analgesics, but these treatments actually result in more resistant rebound headaches and worsening of symptoms when future headaches occur. Because headache is a neurological disorder, it should be treated under the care of a neurologist.

 

Even if you treated your headaches in the past, it would be well worth your time to find out whether new treatments or options are available, or whether your current treatment is right for you. A headache specialist can help you recapture your day and enjoy life again in the new year!

 

Dr. Suwan is a neurologist who specializes in treatment of headaches and fibromyalgia.  Dr. Suwan is highly recognized as a headache specialist and she is nationally known speaker in her field. For consultation please call 630-420-8080 or visit us at controlchicagopain.com.