Ask Dr. Clary: What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Headache Treatments

Choosing the best medical treatment for headache begins with an evaluation of treatment risks and benefits. “It’s very satisfying to treat headache pain,” says pain specialist Dr. Andrew Clary. “No one wants to be in pain, and migraine pain can be particularly miserable. It is very gratifying to help my patients get relief from a migraine diagnosis.”

Evaluating treatment options means understanding risks and benefits

Of course, migraines aren’t the only headache culprit. “A throbbing head is sometimes accompanied by other telltale symptoms,” says Dr. Clary. “Our first job is to identify the cause of the pain. Sometimes, patients may think they have a migraine when they are really experiencing neck pain that radiates into the head. This is actually very common and treatable. Once we understand the source of the headache, we can consider appropriate treatments. I want my patients to understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option.”

Risks and benefits of headache medications

“A primary care physician will often be the first to have medication discussions with you; they often start patients with these medications,” explains Dr. Clary. “We’ve treated migraines with preventative and abortive medications for years. These medications do have side effects, though they are often mild. The side effects we normally see with headache medications include:

• Word-finding difficulties
• Changes in vision
• Tingling in the fingertips
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or fatigue

“Medication side effects are dose dependent,” notes Dr. Clary. “Some patients aren’t bothered by these symptoms, or accept them because they feel more comfortable with medication treatment. Other patients experience these side effects and don’t tolerate them well. In that case, we’ll either lower the dosage or change the medication altogether. It all depends on the patient.”

Risks and benefits of Botox injections

Botox injections are considered for chronic migraine patients suffering 14 or more migraine episodes a month. “Botox is a good treatment choice for patients who are intolerant of medications,” explains Dr. Clary. He also considers Botox for patients with significant migraine or tension headache pain—and for whom nothing else has worked.

“This is an injection treatment,” Dr. Clary continues. “That can be a deterrent for patients who really don’t like needles. But I think Botox is exciting because there are almost no side effects. The vision changes, tingling, and dry mouth patients experience with the other medications don’t exist with Botox. The most notable Botox side effect is that patients may lose a few forehead wrinkles. In my experience, most patients aren’t mad when their wrinkles vanish.”

Another advantage of Botox is that it can be combined with other medications. “If you’ve taken a medication in the past, you can continue to take it,” says Dr. Clary. “In fact, when we offer Botox, we don’t ask patients to stop all other medications. We are hopeful that they may come off some of them, though.”

Finding the treatment protocol that works for you

“When patients understand the risks and benefits of their treatment options, they make better-informed choices,” says Dr. Clary. “And that’s always a benefit. I want you to know the pros and cons of your treatment options. If you already have a treatment protocol—we’ll talk about whether injections or alternatives are right for you. If a current protocol isn’t fitting with your lifestyle, then we’ll consider other options. I will work with you to find the best treatment for you.”

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise

Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.

Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• Watch the video: Introducing Dr. Andrew Clary
• Check out tips to avoid neck pain that can contribute to headaches
• Ask Dr. Clary: When Does Headache Pain Need Medical Treatment?
• Ask Dr. Clary: How Are Botox Injections Used To Treat Migraine Pain?

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