臺北醫學大學 臺北神經醫學中心 校級神經醫學研究中心

     
       Headache is a prevalent disorder, affecting approximately 10% of the population, with about 1% suffering from chronic headaches. With rapid advancements in technology, treatment options for headaches, once considered limited, have expanded significantly, including various medications and devices. As a result, the headache team at the Neurology Institute can provide the latest medications and interventions, ensuring patients receive optimal treatment and care.

       Headache symptoms vary widely, ranging from benign to potentially life-threatening conditions, as well as chronic debilitating headaches. Accurate diagnosis of dangerous headaches requires detailed history-taking and various examinations. Fortunately, most headaches do not indicate structural abnormalities or life-threatening conditions. The headache team conducts appropriate evaluations and diagnoses to provide suitable treatment.

       However, many headache patients face challenges in their daily lives due to pain. Despite its prevalence, some chronic headache sufferers may avoid seeking medical attention or rely excessively on painkillers, leading to medication overuse and addiction. Additionally, headaches often coexist with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, psychiatric disorders, and sleep disturbances, impairing daily functioning. According to the World Health Organization, headaches rank as the second leading cause of disability in young adults, resulting in significant economic burdens.

       Managing headaches presents a significant challenge for headache specialists. Treatment strategies are tailored to the frequency of headaches, with low-frequency patients receiving precise pain relief medications and high-frequency patients requiring prophylactic medications. Besides oral medications, advanced treatments such as botulinum toxin injections or monoclonal antibody therapy are available for preventive measures. For patients with severe and intolerable headaches, inpatient treatment options are provided to alleviate symptoms temporarily.

      The goal of the headache team is to reduce the frequency of headaches, ensuring patients' daily lives remain unaffected. In addition to medication management, comprehensive care services are offered, including lifestyle modifications and psychological support. Various questionnaires are used to assess patients' psychological conditions, tailoring treatment plans accordingly. Ultimately, the aim is for patients to regain control over their lives, free from the interference of headaches, leading to a happier and healthier life.