The Headache and Concussion Center: A part of Norton Neuroscience Institute
Nearly everyone has experienced a headache. Most people can find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers, but others have more serious, recurrent headache pain. While not all headache pain requires medical attention, some types of headaches can make daily life and activities unbearable, or they may be a symptom of a more serious health issue. It's important to seek prompt medical treatment for severe or recurrent headaches.
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A bill designed to protect all student athletes in Kentucky who suffer a concussion has been signed into law. And Tad Seifert, M.D., with Norton Neuroscience Institute was instrumental in helping advise and push for this legislation.
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It’s estimated that 3 to 4 percent of the U.S. population has chronic headaches. Get Healthy's Jackie Hays talks with one patient who says Norton Neuroscience Institute's Headache and Concussion Center has changed her life. Read more |
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The headache specialists at Norton Neuroscience Institute treat:
- Migraine headache
- Chronic daily headache
- Cluster headache
- Analgesic rebound headache
- Cervicogenic headache
- Menstrual-associated headache
- Tension headache
- Post-concussive/Post-traumatic headache
- Sports-related concussion
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Occipital neuralgia
Advanced treatment options are available.
Pharmacological treatment: After a detailed history and physical exam, this treatment plan will be developed to include both preventive and rescue medications tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Outpatient infusion center: Our close proximity to the Norton Infusion Center at Norton Suburban Hospital provides a convenient place for direct IV access if needed. Often patients suffering from continuous, unrelenting headaches can find relief from a short course of outpatient infusions over a three- to five-day period. This treatment approach can prevent unneeded trips to an emergency room or admissions to the hospital.
Psychological and behavioral therapy: People who suffer from chronic headaches often experience anxiety and depression. When appropriate, referrals can be made for psychiatric consultation or biofeedback therapy.
Physical therapy: Chronic tension type and cervicogenic headaches often are associated with constant muscle tension and guarding. Patients may find relief through physical therapy to increase mobility of the neck and shoulders. After treatment, patients are instructed on long-term exercises.
Nutritional counseling: Patients may receive counseling on following “the headache diet” to avoid certain trigger foods and reduce intake of tyramine, caffeine and preservatives.
Botox injections: Patients meeting certain criteria may benefit from Botox injections, which work to “paralyze” muscles in the head and provide relief from some types of headaches.
Trigger point injections: Headaches often are associated with very tender or painful areas in the neck, particularly near the base of the skull. Patients may get significant relief from a long-acting anesthetic injection at the tender site.
Occipital nerve blocks: Patients with pain originating from the occipital nerve experience a painful, tingling sensation in the neck that radiates to the back of the head. An injection of a local anesthetic, called an occipital nerve block, can provide relief for this type of pain.
Neurosurgical referral: As part of Norton Neuroscience Institute, we have access to some of the most experienced and highly trained neurosurgeons in the region. Some patients suffering from cluster headaches or trigeminal neuralgia who have not benefited from medical treatment may be candidates for radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy, a surgical treatment for these difficult-to-manage headaches.
Inpatient admission: We provide streamlined admission to Norton Suburban Hospital when standard outpatient treatment approaches are not an option.
Sports concussion treatment
We assist injured athletes through the recovery period following concussion injuries. We use ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) software, a computer-based test to assist with determining the extent of concussive injury and making safe return-to-play decisions. To learn more about our efforts with sports-related concussions visit NortonHealthcare.com/SportsConcussion.
Watch this video about Concussions
Symptoms of concussion
Individuals who experience a concussion can develop several physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms, including:
Physical - headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, visual problems, fatigue, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, numbness/tingling
Cognitive - feeling mentally "foggy," feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, confused about recent events, repeating questions
Emotional - irritability, sadness, more emotional, nervousness
Sleep-related - drowsiness, sleeping more than usual, sleeping less than usual, trouble falling asleep.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (502) 629-1234. |
