TL;DR Quick answer
Frequent or long-lasting headaches, including migraine and headaches arising from the neck. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as nerve block.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About headache and migraine
Recurring headaches have many causes. A pain specialist can help with chronic migraine and headaches that come from structures in the neck (cervicogenic headache).
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Throbbing or pressing head pain; sensitivity to light or sound; nausea |
| Common causes | Migraine; tension-type headache; cervicogenic headache |
| How it is diagnosed | A careful history identifies the headache type and any warning signs that need further tests. |
| When to get help | Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe “worst ever” headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or headache after a head injury |
| Treatment options | Nerve Block |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Throbbing or pressing head pain
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea
- Pain starting in the neck and spreading to the head
Causes
- Migraine
- Tension-type headache
- Cervicogenic headache
- Occipital neuralgia
- Medication-overuse headache
How it is diagnosed
A careful history identifies the headache type and any warning signs that need further tests.
Treatment options
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, preventive medication, and occipital nerve blocks for selected patients.
When to seek help
Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe “worst ever” headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or headache after a head injury.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nerve Block | Procedure | An injection of local anaesthetic near a specific nerve to diagnose or relieve pain. | 10–30 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
