Headaches

Headache (cephalea) is one of the most common problems in the neurological outpatient clinic. It can be of various origins, so it is important to discover the true cause. Only in this way can the problem be successfully treated from the outset, thus improving the quality of life of patients and avoiding long, often expensive treatment. A headache is defined as a painful sensation that occurs at the level of the cranial vault, i.e. from the eyes to the cervical spine. However, in some cases, headache may indicate a more serious disease that has no other clinical manifestations at its onset. Different types of headache can be distinguished according to the underlying cause: 1/ primary - a separate disease entity (migraine, tension headache) and 2/ secondary - can be a symptom of another disease (in the context of vascular diseases of the brain, post-traumatic, trigeminal nerve pain....). In terms of diagnosis, the important thing is medical history (antecedents - associated illnesses, family history of illness, for headaches a description of the nature of the headache, any accompanying symptoms - nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances; dizziness, memory impairment, etc.) and physical examination. Based on the medical history and physical examination, the doctor will determine the next necessary diagnostic procedure: such as. X-ray (of the skull, cervical spine, sinuses), electroencephalogram (sensing electrical brain activity via electrodes placed at specific locations on the skull), blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, imaging examination (using computed tomography - CT, or magnetic resonance imaging - MRI). Correct diagnosis, prevention and treatment of primary headaches can nowadays significantly improve the quality of life of patients. In the case of secondary headaches, their further course depends on the underlying disease. The prognosis of headaches resulting from more serious diseases will logically depend on their course. Our neurological outpatient clinic (general, as well as specialised headache clinics) provides a complete diagnosis and treatment of headaches. Treatment is then often carried out in collaboration with other specialists (rehabilitation doctor, ENT doctor, ophthalmologist, psychologist). From the patients' point of view, a responsible and cooperative approach is desirable.