Headache Treatment

Headache Causes and Treatments

Headaches can be characterized as a throbbing sensation in the head or upper neck. Headaches occur due to pain signals travelling between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves.

Depending on the intensity and location of the pain, a headache can be classified between several different types, including:

  • Migraines
  • Tension Headaches
  • Cluster Headaches
  • Neuralgias

No matter the kind of headache, please consult the neurologists at the Neurology Center in Houston, TX at 713-795-0074.


Common Causes of Headaches

Headaches develop for numerous reasons. Headaches may also develop due to a head injury or trauma. Other common causes of headaches may include:

  • Eyestrain
  • Poor Posture
  • Alcohol Use
  • Stress
  • Irregular Sleeping Pattern
  • Depression
  • Skipped Meals
  • Environmental Stimuli (changing weather, noise, tobacco smoke, perfume, and strong odors)

Headache Treatments

The most common type of headache is a tension headache, and these can normally be managed with over-the-counter medications. However, if they’re recurring frequently, you may consider consulting a neurologist to see if there are any more serious underlying causes. The neurologist will conduct a physical exam and a headache evaluation. Depending on the specific type of headache you suffer from, the neurologist may suggest behavioral modifications, medication, stress management, or counseling for treatment.


Consult a Neurologist Today

The professionals at the Neurology Center in Houston, TX, are here to help you overcome headache pain. We specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing future occurrences of headaches.

To learn more about headache treatments, contact the Neurology Center in Houston, TX, today at 713-795-0074.

Migraine Treatments

Migraine Headaches

The Neurology Center in Houston knows how detrimental migraines can be to your daily life. The smallest chores like washing the dishes or driving to work become unbearable. Anyone who suffers from migraines knows it’s not just a headache—migraines can be debilitating and come with a variety of other symptoms. While there is no cure for migraines, the symptoms can be managed and prevented.


Symptoms of Migraines

Most people can feel the warning signs of a migraine coming on, and these symptoms may include tunnel vision, blurred vision, and eye pain.

If you suspect a migraine, it is best to treat it as soon as possible. The symptoms of a migraine may differ from person to person but can include:

  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Nausea
  • Throbbing Pain in One or Both Temples
  • Loss of Appetite

Causes of Migraines

Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity triggered by an array of outside stimuli, including:

  • Strong Odors or Perfumes
  • Certain Foods (baked goods, fruits, onions, fermented or pickled foods, etc.)
  • Caffeine Withdrawl or Overuse
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Stress

Treatment for Migraines

For mild cases, ibuprofen or aspirin may help stop a headache. In the instances when over-the-counter medications don’t work, however, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Preventative Medications
  • Medications for Symptom Relief

Your doctor may also suggest keeping a headache journal to help you determine what might be triggering your migraines for future prevention.

The professionals at The Neurology Center in Houston have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with migraines from the mildest cases to the most severe. We’ll help you find out what’s triggering them as well as provide long-term solutions for future migraine treatment.

To speak with a Neurologist at our migraine treatment center in Houston, TX, contact The Neurology Center at 713-795-0074.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. MS is found more commonly in women than in men, and though MS can occur at any age, the condition generally develops between the ages of 20 and 40.

A myelin sheath is a protective covering surrounding nerve cells. When these are damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop altogether, causing multiple sclerosis. It is unknown what causes the myelin sheath to deteriorate or become damaged, but it may be linked to genetics, certain viruses, or environmental factors.

While there is no cure for MS, the progression of the disease may be slowed with a combination of medications and physical therapy. Our physicians have extensive experience in the treatment and care of MS patients. Our neurologists can help those affected by MS achieve and sustain a healthy way of living. If your or a loved one is suffering from MS, consult a neurologist today.


Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Because MS can affect the nerve cells in any part of the brain or spinal cord, symptoms can affect many parts of the body. Patients suffering from MS may have any of the following symptoms:

  • Visual problems
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty controlling muscle movements
  • Bladder and bowel difficulties
  • Numbness, tingling, or chronic pain
  • Fatigue

Those suffering from MS endure attacks lasting anywhere from a couple of days to several months. These episodes vary in length and severity. Following an attack is a period of reduced or no symptoms called a remission. The disease often returns, or relapses, however, and the disease may continue to worsen overtime.


Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose multiple sclerosis by eliminating other conditions. They may perform a neurological exam to determine any loss of function in the nervous system, abnormal nerve reflexes, or decreased or abnormal sensations. Patients suffering from decreases in function of two different parts of the nervous system may have MS. The physician may also conduct an eye exam or a lumbar puncture.


Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Though there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, the disease can be managed to provide a healthy, productive quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Medications to slow the progression
  • Medications to ease the symptoms
  • Physical therapy
  • Assistive devices (hearing aids, wheelchairs, bed lifts, etc.)
  • Behavioral and dietary changes

The life expectancy for those suffering from multiple sclerosis can be normal or almost normal. Most people can continue to walk and work with minimal impairments for 20+ years. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms may increase in frequency and severity.


Consult a Neurologist Today

If you suspect you have multiple sclerosis, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional. They will help to diagnose and treat the disease to slow its progression.

Contact the Neurology Center in Houston, TX, for further information on MS at 713-795-0074.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes people to suffer from repeated mild to severe seizures due to electrical disturbances in the brain. While there is no cure for epilepsy, the condition can be managed with medication or, in some cases, surgery. Those with uncontrolled seizures should not operate a motorized vehicle.

The doctors at the Neurology Center in Houston, TX, can help those suffering from epilepsy effectively manage their condition in order to lead a full and meaningful life.


Common Causes of Epilepsy

Seizures can affect people at any age, but seizures mainly begin between ages 5 and 20. Epilepsy is usually caused by a medical condition or brain injury, such as:

  • Stroke
  • Brain Tumor
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Infection
  • Dementia
  • Some Medications

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Some people show signs of an oncoming seizure called an aura. These symptoms can include a tingling sensation, emotional changes, or smelling an odor that isn’t present. Depending on the area of the brain affected, symptoms vary but may include:

  • Violent Shaking
  • Staring into Space
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Muscle Twitches or Stiffening

Some seizures last anywhere from several seconds to several minutes. Sometimes, the person remains conscious throughout the seizure, and other times, the person is unconscious during a seizure. It all depends on the person and the part of the brain affected.


Epilepsy Treatment

To diagnose and treat epilepsy, your physician will conduct a physical exam and perform an electroencephalogram (EEG) to test for any abnormal electrical activity. Your neurologist may also conduct a variety of other tests to determine the cause and location of the problem, such as a CT scan.

Once you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy, your doctor can recommend any of the following treatments:

  • Anti-Seizure Medications
  • Surgery

Our neurologists will work with you to find the best long-term treatment to prevent future seizures and ensure a healthy, productive way of life.

EMG Testing

EMG Testing

An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that records the electrical activity of muscles. A neurologist may perform an EMG to locate the source for any unexplained muscle weakness. By examining the electrical activity, the physiscian can deduce whether the muscle weakness is due to any nerve disorders.

Abnormal electrical activity may point to diseases that damage the muscle tissue or nerves. It may help with diagnosis for any of the following:

  • Radiculopathy
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Muscle Inflammation
  • Pinched Nerve
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Myasthenia gravis (MG)
  • Carpal tunnel and related nerve compressions

To perform an EMG test, a needle is inserted through the skin and into the muscle. The patient may be asked to contract the muscle to demonstrate electrical activity. The needle detects this, and the results are recorded visually on an oscilloscope. The doctor can then examine the results and determine if the muscle is responding to nerve stimulation normally.

To learn more about EMG testing, contact the Neurology Center at 713-795-0074.

Compressive Mononeuropathies

Treatment of Compressive Mononeuropathies

Compressive mononeuropathy is a form of nerve compression that affects only one nerve, though it can occur to several nerves at once. Also known as entrapment neuropathy, this medical condition is a result of direct pressure on the nerve.

Possible Causes

  • A tumor, ganglion cyst, or a haematoma putting pressure on a nerve
  • Prolonged or repeated external force
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Weight gain and related illnesses such as hypothyroidism or diabetes

The symptoms of this condition are very much like nerve damage, which causes tingling, pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.


Treating Compressive Mononeuropathies

The first thing we check when you make an appointment with our Houston neurology office is if there is the potential for a possible underlying condition. If there is, we treat this first. Some conditions require simple lifestyle changes or therapy while others may require surgery.

If you are experiencing problems with your nerves, a compressed nerve may be the cause.

Contact our Houston neurologists today to make an appointment or to learn more about this condition. Call 713-795-0074.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms & Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is generally a result of nerve damage that causes numbness in the extremities (hands and feet). While one of the most common causes for nerve damage like this is diabetes, the condition can also be a result of:

  • Infections
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Metabolic issues
  • Traumatic injuries

Possible Symptoms of Nerve Damage

Peripheral neuropathy can occur in sensory nerves, motor nerves, or autonomic nerves, and most often starts in the nerves that reach to the toes. Symptoms depend on the affected nerves, but look out for the following:

  • Burning
  • Gradual onset of numbness and tingling that can spread
  • Sensitivity to even the lightest of touches
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sharp, electric-like pain

The condition can affect one, two, or even several nerves. Early diagnosis is key, so as soon as you experience symptoms, seek professional help from a neurologist.


Treatments

Our number one goal here at the Neurology Center is to manage the condition causing the neuropathy. Often, once this underlying condition is properly addressed, peripheral neuropathy goes away on its own. We may also help relieve your pain with medications or simple lifestyle changes.

Contact The Neurology Center today to start living your life free of crippling pain. Call us at 713-795-0074.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy Diagnosis & Treatment

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve or nerves do not work properly, generally due to a problem in or near the nerve root. Often, symptoms occur not just at the location of the problem, but radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve.

This condition may have symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty controlling affected muscles

There are many types of Radiculopathy depending on the location of the nerve or nerves affected (e.g., in the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic spine).


Causes & Treatment

There are many reasons why your nerve roots may be experiencing issues, and our first job here at The Neurology Center in Houston is to get to the root of the problem. This way, we are able to treat more than just your symptoms, which results in long-term relief.

Common causes of Radiculopathy include:

  • Lack of blood flow
  • Pinched nerve
  • Inflammation
  • Excessive pressure from tendons or cartilage

With the help of our expert physicians, we can resolve the underlying cause for this painful condition and restore your nerves to their normal function. Using combined relaxation techniques, physical therapy, and—in some cases—medication, we form the correct treatment plan to fit your lifestyle and capabilities.


Make an Appointment with Our Houston Neurologists

The Neurology Center in Houston, TX, has extensive experience successfully diagnosing and treating various nerve disorders such as Radiculopothy. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment: 713.795.0074.

Services

Our General Services

  • Hospital consultations
  • 24-hour coverage in case of emergency
  • Office located in or near local hospitals
  • Multilingual staff (English, Russian, and Spanish)
  • We bill most major insurance carriers

Neurology Services | Cases Treated

The Neurology Center provides expert neurological services to Houston residents. Our team of neurologists has years of experience dealing with neurological disorders and specialize in all of the following:

Whether you’re a new patient or an existing one, the top doctors in the U.S. would be happy to guide you through your medical condition—from diagnosis to treatment. If you’re suffering from migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy, feel free to consult one of our neurologists today for expert treatment and care.

To learn more about the neurology services we provide, contact The Neurology Center today at 713.795.0074.


Additional Services

  • New patient consultation/evaluations and follow-up care
  • Infusion center to treat autoimmune disorders or migraine headaches
  • Nerve and muscle biopsies
  • Electromyography (EMG/NCV) Studies