Headaches & Migraines
Wellstar’s headaches and migraines program provides personalized care to help people find relief, manage symptoms and prevent recurring pain.
Comprehensive Headache & Migraine Care
Wellstar provides expert care for people experiencing headaches that range from occasional discomfort to chronic, severe pain.
Our board-certified neurologists and headache specialists combine clinical expertise with advanced diagnostics and a team-based approach to help people find lasting relief. Each care plan is tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle—with the goal of reducing pain, preventing recurrence and improving quality of life.
Patients also have access to specialized care for headaches and migraines through the Wellstar Neurology & Headache Center in Marietta, as well as expert neurologists across all Wellstar Neurology locations. In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic—home to one of the world’s leading headache programs—our team delivers state-of-the-art treatment close to you.
Types & Symptoms
Headaches vary in cause, frequency and severity. Wellstar neurologists diagnose and treat all major headache disorders.- Tension headaches: These are the most common type of headaches and cause mild to moderate pain that feels like pressure or tightness around the head. They are often triggered by muscle strain, stress or lack of sleep.
- Migraines: Often described as throbbing or pulsating pain—usually on one side of the head—migraines can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines may have genetic or hormonal links and can become chronic if untreated.
- Cluster headaches: A rare but severe form of head pain that occurs in cyclical patterns, often around the same time each day for weeks at a time
- Secondary headaches: Caused by an underlying condition such as infection, injury or vascular disease. Prompt evaluation is important to rule out serious causes.
When to seek medical care
While many headaches resolve on their own, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:- Sudden, severe headache or headache with a stiff neck
- Headache accompanied by fever, confusion or vision changes
- Multiple headaches in a single week
- Headache with seizure or shortness of breath
- Headache after a head injury
- Persistent or worsening headaches in someone who rarely experiences them
- Recurring headaches in children or older adults
Headaches in children
Recurring or severe headaches in children should be evaluated by a pediatric neurologist to rule out underlying causes and guide safe, effective treatment. Wellstar pediatric neurologists specialize in diagnosing and managing headaches in children and teens, providing compassionate, age-appropriate care to help young patients feel their best.Risk Factors & Causes
Some factors can increase your risk of developing headaches or migraines, while others may trigger an episode once the condition exists. Understanding both can help reduce how often headaches occur and how severe they feel.Common risk factors
The following can make a person more likely to experience headaches or migraines:- Family history: Migraines often run in families. About 80% of people with migraines have a close relative who also experiences them. A child has roughly a 50% chance of developing migraines if one parent is affected and up to a 75% chance if both parents are. Family history is also linked to earlier onset of migraines, particularly in women.
- Sex: Before puberty, headaches are more common in boys than girls. After puberty, women are about three times more likely than men to experience migraines.
- Age: Tension headaches peak in midlife, while migraines often begin before age 40.
- Lifestyle: Poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals or chronic stress may increase your risk of headaches or migraines.
Common triggers
For people living with a headache or migraine condition, day-to-day and environmental factors can bring on or worsen symptoms.- Stress or emotional tension
- Hormonal changes
- Caffeine overuse or withdrawal
- Skipping or delaying meals
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Intense physical activity
- Certain foods or additives
- Bright lights, loud noises or strong odors
- Sudden weather or pressure changes
Diagnosis
Our neurology team uses advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to identify the type and cause of your headaches.Evaluation
Your Wellstar neurologist will begin with a detailed medical history and physical exam. To help identify patterns and triggers, you may be asked to keep a headache journal that tracks onset, duration, diet, sleep, stress and activity.Diagnostic testing
Depending on your symptoms, your neurologist may recommend one or more tests to determine the underlying cause of your headaches.- CT scan, MRI or MRA to visualize the brain
- Blood tests or lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for infection or inflammation
- EEG (electroencephalogram) to rule out seizure activity
- Sinus imaging or sleep study to evaluate sinus or sleep-related causes
Treatments
Wellstar offers advanced therapies to relieve and manage headaches and migraines.Non-surgical therapies
- Biofeedback and relaxation training
- Stress management and counseling
- Physical therapy for neck and muscle tension
- Massage therapy or acupuncture
- Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
Medical and interventional therapies
- Prescription pain medications
- Botox injections or nerve blocks
- Neuromodulation and other advanced therapies
Ongoing Care & Prevention
Our care continues beyond symptom relief. Regular follow-up helps track progress, identify triggers and adjust treatments. Simple habits—like staying hydrated, maintaining consistent meals and getting quality sleep—can make a big difference in prevention. At Wellstar, your neurology team partners with you to restore comfort and confidence, helping you live with fewer headaches and more good days. At the first sign of a headache or migraine:- Drink water to prevent dehydration, especially if nausea or vomiting occurs.
- Rest in a quiet, dark room.
- Place a cool cloth or compress on your forehead.
- Use relaxation or breathing techniques to help ease tension.
Managing stress
Stress can make headaches more frequent or intense. Consider these healthy habits to reduce stress and tension.- Keep it simple—avoid overcommitting.
- Talk things through with family, friends or a therapist.
- Manage your time and delegate when possible.
- Stay organized and flexible as plans change.
- Practice a positive mindset and self-care.
- Take short breaks to breathe, stretch or walk.
- Get regular exercise.
- Explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing.