Headaches: Causes, Treatments, and Relief

Headaches affect everyone from time to time, but if you're getting frequent or severe headaches, it's important to understand what's causing them. Whether they're related to sinus issues, tension, or another underlying condition, finding the right treatment is crucial for relief. Dr. Ramie A. Tritt, board-certified otolaryngologist at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., specializes in treating sinus headaches and other types of headaches. If you're struggling with frequent headaches, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today at one of his two Atlanta offices or book online for an appointment.

What Causes a Headache?

Headaches can stem from many different causes, including stress, nerve dysfunction, and even underlying conditions. Broadly speaking, headaches fall into two categories:

Primary Headache
A primary headache isn't connected to any other condition and is caused by issues with the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in your neck and skull, or from the activity of chemicals in your brain. Examples of primary headaches include:

• Migraines
• Cluster headaches
• Tension headaches

Some individuals may be more prone to primary headaches due to their genetic makeup.

Secondary Headache
A secondary headache is a symptom of another underlying condition. Disorders where a headache is a common symptom include:

• Sinusitis
• Concussion
• COVID-19
• Dehydration
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
• Fevers
• Influenza
• Intracranial hematoma
• Meningitis
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Brain tumor

While most headaches are not a sign of a serious health problem, some can be related to potentially life-threatening conditions like meningitis or a brain tumor. If you have a headache that’s unusually severe or affecting your ability to think clearly, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment Options for Headaches

For most everyday headaches, over-the-counter medications or simple lifestyle changes, like reducing stress, can provide relief. However, if you're dealing with more frequent or severe headaches, more specialized treatments may be necessary.

1. Medications

For tension headaches or sinus headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers or nasal decongestants may offer short-term relief. However, for more complex headaches, such as migraines, an extensive range of prescription medications can reduce the frequency and severity. Botox® injections are also an option for individuals who suffer from regular migraines.

2. Balloon Sinuplasty

For headaches related to chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer lasting relief. A small balloon is inflated inside the sinuses to flatten swollen tissues, relieving the pressure in your head and alleviating sinus headaches.

3. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

If sinus headaches persist despite balloon sinuplasty, you may need to undergo FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes swollen tissue from the sinuses to help improve sinus drainage and reduce pressure.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding headache triggers can also reduce the frequency of certain types of headaches, such as tension headaches and dehydration headaches.

Would I Need Surgery for My Headache?

Most headaches do not require surgery, especially if they are not related to a brain tumor or other serious condition. However, if you suffer from chronic sinus headaches that don’t respond to other treatments, procedures like balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended to relieve the persistent pressure and discomfort.

Why Choose Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.?

Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and his team are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of headache-related conditions, from sinus headaches to migraines. With advanced technology and a compassionate approach, the team is dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Find Relief for Your Headaches Today

If you're tired of letting headaches disrupt your life, Dr. Tritt is here to help. Whether your headaches are caused by sinus issues, tension, or another underlying condition, expert treatment is available. Schedule your consultation today by calling one of the Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. offices at 404-255-2918 or book an appointment online. Get the relief you deserve and regain your comfort!

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.