Headaches

Headaches can range from an occasional inconvenience to recurring pain that makes it difficult to work, sleep, exercise, or enjoy your usual activities. At Orlando Medical Associates in Orlando, Florida, doctoral-prepared, double board-certified family nurse practitioner Elena (Ellie) Vale-Saquieres, DNP, FNP-C, evaluates headaches to uncover possible causes and find ways to manage your symptoms. If headaches are becoming more frequent, severe, or disruptive, call the office or use the online scheduler to book an appointment today.

What could be triggering my headaches?

Headaches can have many potential causes and triggers. Sometimes, simple factors like dehydration or a poor night’s sleep are responsible. Other times, recurring headaches may be related to migraines, muscle tension, an illness, or another underlying concern.

Common headache triggers include:

• Stress
• Dehydration
• Lack of sleep
• Skipping meals
• Eye strain
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Certain foods or medications
• Muscle tension
• Illness

Because triggers vary from person to person, keeping track of when your headaches occur and what happens beforehand can help identify patterns.

How can I tell what type of headache I have?

The location, intensity, duration, and accompanying symptoms can provide clues about the type of headache you’re experiencing.

Tension headaches often cause dull, pressure-like discomfort around your head. Migraines may cause moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain, sometimes along with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

Ellie reviews your symptoms carefully to better understand your headaches and determine whether additional evaluation is necessary.

What should I expect during a headache evaluation?

Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. Ellie may ask how often your headaches occur, where you feel the pain, how long it lasts, and whether you’ve noticed specific triggers.

She also reviews your health history, medications, sleep habits, diet, stress, and other symptoms. Depending on her findings, Ellie may recommend additional testing or specialized evaluation.

What treatments can help with frequent headaches?

Headache treatment depends on the type, frequency, severity, and possible cause. Your personalized plan may include medication to relieve or prevent symptoms along with lifestyle changes.

For some patients, consistent sleep, regular meals, adequate hydration, stress management, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce headache frequency. Ellie works with you to determine which strategies are appropriate for your needs.

When does a headache need immediate medical attention?

Seek immediate medical care for a sudden, extremely severe headache or one accompanied by confusion, fainting, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, significant vision changes, a stiff neck with fever, or symptoms following a serious head injury.

For recurring or disruptive headaches, call Orlando Medical Associates or schedule an appointment online today.