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  1. UAMS Health
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  3. Headache

Condition: Headache

Headaches happen to everyone at one time or another. The head is one of the most common sites of pain in the body. The pain can be isolated to a certain location or move across the head from one point to another. It can be in the form of sharp pain, a throbbing sensation or just dull ache lasting from hours to even a few days. A headache is technically defined as a pain coming from the head or upper neck of the body.

Types of Headaches

The types of headaches are classified as primary, secondary or cranial neuralgias, facial pain or other headaches. A primary headache is not the symptom of an underlying issue, but just a problem caused by overactivity of pain-sensitive structures in your head. They can be triggered by lifestyle factors like stress, changes in sleep or nutrition. There are several types of primary headaches:

  • Tension headaches are the most common and occur more in women than men. The cause is not always understood but it is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head.
  • Migraine headaches affect children and adults. It is an intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head. It also can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Cluster headache is a rare type of primary headache and it is one of the most painful. It normally affects men in their late 20s and occurs in cyclical patterns or clusters.

Secondary headaches are those caused by an underlying issue with the head or neck. It includes a wide range of medical conditions from dental to sinus to infections. This category also includes traumatic headaches like post-concussion headaches.

The final type is cranial neuralgia which describes inflammation of one of the 12 nerves that supply the motor and sensation function of the head and neck.

Seeing Your Doctor About Your Headache

A headache is often not something to be concerned about or see your doctor. However, see a doctor if the headache is accompanied by:

  • Confusion or trouble understanding speech
  • Fainting
  • High fever
  • Trouble seeing or walking
  • Numbness, weakness or paralysis

Also, see your doctor if you experience headaches more frequently than usual or if they become more severe. If the headache interferes with your normal activities and worsen with over-the-counter drugs, you should also make an appointment with your doctor.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Headache

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Botox Injections

Providers Treating Headache

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Headache. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Sheena W. CarlLee, M.D.

Sheena W. CarlLee, M.D. Internist

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Dale  M. Carter, M.D.

Dale M. Carter, M.D. Neurologist

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Scott A. Lucchese, M.D.

Scott A. Lucchese, M.D. Neurologist

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Sarkis M. Nazarian, M.D.

Sarkis M. Nazarian, M.D. Neurologist

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Allen C. Sherman, Ph.D.

Allen C. Sherman, Ph.D. Psychologist

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Larry D. Wright, M.D.

Larry D. Wright, M.D. Geriatrician (Internal Medicine)

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Headache

Note that the treatment of Headache may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


exterior of North Street Clinic

Neighborhood Clinic in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-713-8701
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Headache

Portrait of a senior African American couple outdoors. The man is sitting in a wheelchair.

Neurology

UAMS Health provides expert care for adult patients with neurological disorders, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.

View Area of Expertise
Image of a male doctor examining a young girl as her mother sits nearby.

Primary Care

Seeing a primary care provider is a great way to get healthy and stay that way. Let a UAMS Health provider get you to a better state of health.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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