Headache Medicine

Approximately 1 in 6 adults experience migraines, affecting 12-15% of the global population. In the U.S., nearly 39 million people suffer from migraines, with a higher prevalence among women. At GEM Neurology, PLLC in Clinton, Tennessee, board-certified neurologist Dr. Luis E Zayas has a clinical interest and extensive experience in managing chronic headaches and migraines. Dr. Zayas provides personalized headache care for patients 14 and older, helping alleviate persistent pain and enhance quality of life.

Take control of your headaches—call our office to schedule an evaluation today.

Expert Headache Medicine with Dr. Luis Zayas in Clinton, TN

Headaches and migraines can significantly impact daily life, but expert care can provide relief. At GEM Neurology, Dr. Luis E. Zayas offers advanced treatments to address persistent or severe headache and migraine symptoms. What sets Dr. Zayas apart is his dual expertise as both a board-certified neurologist and internist, as well as his extensive training in life-threatening neurological conditions through neurocritical care. This unique background enables him to diagnose and treat complex headache disorders, including those related to brain bleeds post-hospital discharge. 

What Is Headache Medicine?

Headache medicine is a specialized branch of neurology focused on diagnosing and treating various headache disorders, from migraines to cluster headaches. At GEM Neurology, Dr. Z goes beyond symptom management by identifying the underlying causes of headaches and tailoring treatments to deliver lasting relief.

Why Choose Dr. Luis Zayas for Headache Medicine?

Dr. Zayas offers a unique combination of skills and experience that make him a leading specialist in headache medicine:

• Board-certified neurologist and internist, offering a comprehensive medical perspective.
• Fellowship-trained in neurocritical care, with expertise in managing life-threatening neurological conditions, including brain bleeds that can cause severe headaches.
• Over 10 years of experience diagnosing and treating headache disorders with advanced, evidence-based techniques.

This expertise allows Dr. Zayas to provide holistic, customized care for even the most complex headache conditions.

Which Conditions Can Headache Medicine Treat?

Dr. Zayas treats a wide range of headache disorders, including:

• Migraines: Severe, often one-sided head pain with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic condition causing intense, sudden facial pain due to trigeminal nerve irritation.
• Occipital Neuralgia: Shooting or throbbing pain originating from the occipital nerves at the base of the skull.
• Cluster Headaches: Intense, cyclical headaches often described as the most painful type of headache.
• Tension Headaches: Persistent, dull, or pressure-like headaches, often caused by stress or muscle tension.

What Are the Risk Factors for Headaches and Migraines?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of headaches or migraines, including:

• Diet: Skipping meals, dehydration, or consuming trigger foods (caffeine, alcohol, processed foods).
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Stress: Emotional or physical stress is a common headache trigger.
• Sleep Issues: Poor sleep patterns or sleep disorders.
• Medication Overuse: Overuse of pain relief medications can lead to rebound headaches.
• Family History: Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing migraines or headaches.

Which Headache Treatment Plan Is Right for Me?

At GEM Neurology, Dr. Zayas takes a personalized approach to headache treatment. He begins with a thorough evaluation, which includes:

• Symptom and Medical History Review: Understanding triggers, patterns, and prior treatments.
• Physical and Neurological Exams: Identifying potential underlying issues.
• Diagnostic Testing: Blood work or imaging studies may be ordered to rule out secondary causes when indicated. 

Based on this evaluation, Dr. Z develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What Does Headache Treatment Include?

Dr. Zayas uses a range of treatments to address headache and migraine symptoms effectively. These may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, improved sleep habits, and dietary adjustments.
• Dietary Supplements: Evidence-based supplements to prevent or reduce headaches.
• Medications: Acute and preventive medications for headache management.
• Occipital Nerve Blocks: Injections to reduce pain from occipital neuralgia or chronic migraines.
• Trigger Point Injections: Relief for muscle-related headache pain.
• Botox® Injections: FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines.
• Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, or biofeedback for stress-related headaches.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve posture and reduce tension-related headaches.

Dr. Zayas ensures ongoing follow-ups to optimize your treatment plan and deliver long-lasting relief.

Schedule Your Headache Medicine Consultation at GEM Neurology

Don’t let headaches or migraines control your life. With advanced care from Dr. Luis E. Zayas, relief is within reach. Located in Clinton, TN, GEM Neurology serves patients across East Tennessee with expert, compassionate care.

📞 Call us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward headache relief.