Headaches

NorthShore's headache specialists can help treat chronic headaches.

Chronic headaches are a prevalent condition today. In fact, experts estimate that more than 30 million Americans suffer from some form of migraines, tension or chronic headaches. At the NorthShore Neurological Institute, we understand that recurring headaches and migraines can have a negative effect on patients’ quality of life. That’s why our headache specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The Neurological Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating headaches. Most patients begin by seeing a NorthShore neurologist who specializes in headache disorders, for a comprehensive history and physical assessment, and many also undergo advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing. Our neurology specialists routinely collaborate with expert colleagues in neurosurgery, physiatry and other disciplines to quickly develop effective treatment plans for even the most the challenging headache cases.

When headaches are thought to arise from the neck, patients may begin by seeing a NorthShore physiatry expert who specializes in headache disorders. Chronic tension, trauma such as whiplash, intervertebral disc disease or progressive facet joint arthritis may lead to neck pain. Trigger points in the neck, shoulder blade and spine sometimes serve as hidden and severely debilitating sources of headaches. These headaches are often categorized as cervicogenic headaches: ones that can produce pain that starts in the neck or back of the head area but end up in the forehead, or behind, in and around the eyes.

NorthShore specialists offer a broad range of state-of-the-art treatment options for headaches—from drug therapies and Botox® injections for migraines, to dietary modifications and integrative medicine programs for stress relief. Patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches can take full advantage of the Neurological Institute’s expertise in providing therapeutic spine injections and other minimally invasive procedures for this often-overlooked cause of headaches.

And of course, patient education is an important component in headache care. That’s why NorthShore specialists work with patients, helping them to recognize triggers and modify habits that may help alleviate headaches.

For More Information

Please call 877.570.7020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.