Headache & Migrane

Headache & Migrane services offered in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, IL

About one in six Americans, including one in five women, complain of migraines or severe headaches — which can become crippling when left untreated. At NewMed Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Prospect, Illinois, an experienced medical team treats headaches and migraines, pinpointing the root cause to ease discomfort and avoid potentially severe complications. You can get an evaluation by calling the office, using the online booking feature, or simply walking in today.

What are headaches and migraines?

Headaches and migraines are conditions that cause pain, aching, or throbbing in any part of your head. They affect a large percentage of the population, as more than 37 million people in the United States struggle with migraines — an often severe form of a headache. Seeking treatment not only determines the root cause of your pain, it helps ease your discomfort.

What are the different types of headaches and migraines?

Examples of the different forms of headaches and migraines include:

Tension headaches

Discomfort linked to tension headaches often spreads across both sides of your head, beginning at the back and moving forward. Frequent causes of this common type of headache include hunger, stress, and eyestrain.

Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches may develop due to being sick and congested. They’re often caused by sinus passage swelling, leading to pain behind your eyes, nose, and cheeks. The discomfort is often more severe when you bend forward and first thing in the morning.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are often extremely painful and develop in clusters. This means they may appear daily or several times daily for months at a time. Cluster headaches are caused by blood vessel dilation in the brain linked to histamine and serotonin release. Bright lights, altitude, or physical exertion may trigger them.

Migraines

Migraines are often severe forms of headaches resulting from changes in brain activity. Migraine sufferers often complain of extreme head pain, nausea, sometimes vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness. You might have sensory disturbances affecting vision, speech, or touch. The pain can become debilitating and light, certain smells or sounds, and exercise might worsen it.

What increases the risk of headaches and migraines?

Risk factors for developing headaches and migraines include:

Family history of headaches or migraines
Being female (migraines)
Hormone changes
Allergies
Weather changes
Stress
Eating certain foods or additives
Lack of sleep
Dehydration
Skipping meals
Strenuous exercise
Needing (but not wearing) glasses or contacts
High blood pressure
Infections
Flu
Brain tumors

It’s important to detect or rule out severe causes of headaches and migraines, including tumors, medical conditions, and head injuries.

How are headaches and migraines diagnosed?

Your provider discusses your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam, and might suggest lab testing or imaging procedures to screen for underlying causes of headaches and migraines and establish the best treatment.

How are headaches and migraines treated?

Treating headaches and migraines may consist of:

Dietary and other lifestyle changes
Stress management techniques
Acupuncture
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription medicines
Occipital nerve blocks
Botox®

Your personalized headache and migraine treatment plan depends on the type and severity of your condition, your lifestyle and preferences, and your long-term goals.

Schedule a headache and migraine evaluation at NewMed Immediate Care by phone, online, or simply walk into the office today.