Chronic headache is a health condition that affects many people. A normal headache can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, or alternative therapies, but for chronic headaches, something apart from this is required. When neurosurgery comes into the frame and remains a solution for people with chronic headaches. Let’s explore how neurosurgery helps manage chronic headaches.
What are chronic headaches?
Chronic headaches occur frequently, like 15 days per month, for at least 3 months. Compared to normal headaches, chronic headaches can impact daily life, causing discomfort and reducing productivity. Chronic headaches also cause emotional distress. Chronic headaches can be classified into different types, including chronic migraines, chronic tension-type headaches, hemicrania continua, and new daily persistent headaches. These types of chronic headaches have separate symptoms, but frequent and long-lasting pain is one of the common symptoms in all types of chronic headaches. Get the chronic headache treatment in Coimbatore to live your life peacefully. Living with chronic headaches is difficult, but proper medical care can help manage symptoms effectively.
What are the causes of chronic headaches?
Chronic headaches can be caused by various factors, from lifestyle habits to complex medical conditions. Identifying the causes is essential for effective treatment. One of the most common causes of chronic headaches is stress and anxiety. Tension-type headaches can be triggered by mental or emotional stress, which leads to frequent pain. The body and brain need adequate sleep to function properly. If it is disturbed, it causes chronic headaches. The overuse of medications causes chronic headaches. Insufficient water intake and skipping meals also greatly trigger this condition.
What are the symptoms of chronic headaches?
Chronic headaches are sharp pain that affects one or both sides of the head. There will be symptoms of chronic headaches, like nasal congestion. Some people may also experience additional symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light.
Five common symptoms of chronic headaches are:
- Persistent Head pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Muscle Tightness
- Fatigue and Irritability
What is neurosurgery, and how will it work?
The conditions affecting the brain will be diagnosed and treated through neurosurgery. Neurosurgery is performed by highly trained specialists who perform complex procedures to improve brain and nerve function. The process of neurosurgery starts with imaging tests like MRI and CT scans to identify the exact problem. After diagnosis, treatment options may differ from minimal technique to major surgical process.
Minimal neurosurgery involves small incisions and uses advanced technology, such as endoscopes, which treat conditions with minimal damage. This method reduces recovery time. This type of neurosurgery lowers the risk of complications.
Traditional open neurosurgery will be used to treat severe cases. This involves making large incisions to access areas of the brain. Tumor removal and spinal fusion are serious conditions that use traditional open neurosurgery.
For what kind of people is neurosurgery performed?
Traumatic injuries: Injury in the brain or spinal cord from accidents or falls needs immediate surgical processes for healing.
Brain and spinal tumors: Individuals with malignant tumors that need removal or reduction need neurosurgery.
Vascular disorders: Conditions like brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or strokes need neurosurgery.
Movement disorders: For people with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy, neurosurgery will be effective.
Congenital Abnormalities: Children born with craniosynostosis need neurosurgery correction.
What are the types of neurosurgery for chronic headaches?
Neurosurgery is a suitable option for people who cannot cure their chronic headaches with medication or other treatments. There are different kinds of neurosurgery to treat conditions like migraines and cluster headaches. Some of the main types of neurosurgery used for chronic headaches:
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS)
This procedure is used for people with severe headaches and chronic migraines. In this surgical process, small electrical devices are implanted near the occipital nerves at the back side of the head. These electrodes send electrical signals to the brain, which avoids blocking pain.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
This procedure is used for people with cluster headaches. It involves implanting electrodes deep inside the brain. These electrodes send electrical impulses to regulate abnormal pain signals. It reduces headache intensity and frequency.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)
This surgical process is similar to occipital nerve stimulation. This procedure focuses on nerves involved in headache pain, such as the trigeminal nerve (in the face) or the supraorbital nerve (above the eyes).
Microvascular decompression (MVD)
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe facial pain and headaches. In this procedure, the blood vessels are removed, which press against the trigeminal nerve, which can relieve pain.
Nerve decompression surgery
This type of surgery is performed when people are affected by headaches caused by nerve compression, such as occipital neuralgia. This surgery relieves pain by removing tight tissues or other structures pressing on them.
These are some of the neurosurgery treatments, For the best neurosurgery, consult a best neurosurgeon in Coimbatore to get the desired outcomes.
Conclusion
Neurosurgery is the best solution for chronic headaches, which are not cured by medications. Procedures like nerve stimulation surgery can reduce pain and improve daily life. Early diagnosis of headaches can avoid further complications. It is important to consult a doctor about neurosurgery. With the right treatment and medications, people can recover from severe headaches.
