Pink Prescriptions - June 2025
Oh, My Aching Head: Let’s Talk (Quietly) About Headaches
June 2025 Issue — Pink Prescriptions
Oh, My Aching Head
Let’s Talk (Quietly) About Headaches
“I have a headache” is not just an excuse to skip the romance and is really no laughing matter, especially when headaches cause debilitating pain. Headaches come in many forms and intensities, so those who may only get a headache now and then, may not understand the terrible pain associated with chronic and consistent ones—not to mention migraines. Nearly 96-percent of adults will have at least one headache this year, and not just on New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, women are more likely to experience both migraines and tension headaches nearly twice as often as men. In other words, headaches are a real pain in the…head. And such, with this condition affecting so many, we wanted to know all about the common—and not so common—headache. We went to the professionals to learn more.
by Dr. Lenzy Stephenson
Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care
What is the difference between a
headache and a migraine?
Migraines and headaches are not the same thing: A headache is just one symptom of a migraine, which is a neurological condition characterized by intense symptoms. The term “headache” is more general, and there are many kinds of headaches brought on by various causes.
The biggest way to tell a regular headache and migraine apart is severity. Migraine symptoms include pulsating pain on one side of the face and head, nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Migraines also generally last longer than a regular headache, though both conditions have several similar potential triggers, including lack of food, lack of sleep, and stress.
What is the most effective over-the-counter
medication for regular headaches?
When a headache strikes, it may be tempting to grab an aspirin or ibuprofen for quick relief, but most recurring headaches are actually due to self-medicating. It’s better to learn what causes your headaches so you can prevent them from happening in the first place.
Once you have determined the root cause of your headache, be it dehydration, stress, hunger, excessive caffeine consumption or caffeine withdrawal, eye strain or allergies, it is easier to prevent the problem in the future.
To determine which over-the-counter, short-term solution is best for you, consult with your primary care provider.
Headaches can be felt in different areas,
like behind the eyes, in the back of the head, etc.
Are headaches in certain areas caused by specific things?
The three most common types of headaches are tension, sinus, and cluster headaches:
1) Tension headaches, which feel like a tight band wrapped around your entire head causing pressure on your forehead and temples, can be caused by neck or eye strain, anxiety or fatigue.
2) Sinus headaches are caused by sinus pressure, and their symptoms include pain in the face, eyes, cheekbones, and nose. Seasonal allergies are often to blame for sinus headaches, as well as sinus infections and the common cold.
3) Cluster headaches are often felt on one side of the head, usually behind the eye. They don’t have an exact cause, but can be genetic or triggered by bright lights, certain medications or tobacco, alcohol or substance use.
Lenzy Stephenson, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care in Beaufort, specializing in holistic and osteopathic treatments for acute and chronic illnesses. Call 843-770-0404 to schedule an appointment.
By Dr. Andrew Binamira
OneCareSpa & OneCareClinic
What are some common triggers for migraines?
Can they be treated naturally?
Triggers of Migraine and Non-pharmacologic ways of treating them:
Migraines are intense headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances. They can be triggered by a variety of factors. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes (especially in women), lack of sleep, certain foods (such as aged cheese, chocolate, or processed meats), caffeine overuse or withdrawal, dehydration, and sensory overload from lights, sounds, or smells. Environmental changes like weather shifts and altitude changes can also provoke migraines in susceptible individuals.
Managing migraines without medication involves lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is crucial. Keeping a migraine diary can help spot patterns. Regular sleep, hydration, and balanced meals can reduce frequency. Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are effective for prevention. Applying a cold or warm compress to the head or neck can help relieve pain during an attack. Some people find relief in resting in a dark, quiet room. Acupuncture and biofeedback therapy have also shown promise in reducing migraine frequency and intensity. Though these approaches may not eliminate migraines entirely, they can significantly reduce their impact and improve quality of life for those seeking drug-free alternatives.
Remember your doctor knows best, and it’s always a good practice to consult your medical provider for any new onset headache.
Dr. Andrew Binamira is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician. With more 26 years of experience, Dr. Binamara is proud to offer cutting-edge equipment, innovative technologies, weight loss management and top-of-the-line medical grade products at both OneCareSpa and OneCareClinic. Call or stop by today to learn more: 843-342-3202; 81 Main St, Suites #101 & #202, HHI.
By Katelyn Mason, PA-C
Novant Health Neurology – Arley Way
Why do certain smells often cause me to have a sudden headache?
Smell can be a very common headache trigger, or something that seems to bring on a headache, especially with migraine headaches. A process known as sensitization is believed to contribute to why this occurs. Sensitization occurs when the nerves become increasingly more sensitive to injury and damage, but also more sensitive to things that usually do not induce pain, including but not limited to, allodynia, which is pain produced by something typically non-painful like smells.
How can I tell if my headache is a warning for something worse like a stroke or a brain tumor?
In general, the vast majority of headaches are not going to be due to any serious underlying condition. However, if you’ve never been evaluated for frequent headaches before, you should be evaluated by a medical provider to ensure you don’t need any additional workup. If you have any new onset neurological symptoms (e.g. vision changes, numbness/tingling, weakness, speech changes, etc.), have the worst headache of your life, or have any change from your typical headache pattern, you should go to the ER immediately, as these symptoms could be concerning for something else going on like stroke, TIA, or brain tumor.
I often get painful “sinus/allergy headaches”
and can barely lift my head off the pillow. What is the
best way to relieve them and possibly avoid them altogether?
Some of my patients with “sinus/allergy headaches” are actually experiencing migraine headaches. Sinus congestion and allergies can act as a trigger for migraine headaches. In general, the best way to prevent sinus and allergy pressure from occurring is to treat your underlying sinus disease or allergies as directed by your primary care provider, ENT specialist, or allergy specialist. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, nasal sprays, oral medications, injections, and warm compresses. Otherwise, you would treat the headache as a typical migraine headache.
Katelyn Mason, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant with a passion for patient care in the field of neurology. Katelyn has joined Dr. George Warner with Novant Health Neurology located at 11 Arley Way in Bluffton and is accepting new patients. Call (843) 836-3667 to schedule an appointment.
By Dr. Katherine Coley
Advanced Women’s Care of the Lowcountry
& Aspire Medical Spa
Can Botox help with migraines?
Yes, Botox has been FDA-approved as an effective treatment for chronic migraines—typically defined as 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 being migraines. As an aesthetic physician, I’ve had patients notice improvement in their headaches after cosmetic Botox, but it’s important to understand that medical Botox for migraines is a specialized treatment which is administered differently.
For migraine management, Botox should be administered by a neurologist or headache specialist trained in the specific protocol used to treat chronic migraine. While it can be highly effective, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Migraines can stem from a range of causes, including hormonal shifts, stress, and neurological conditions, therefore, a proper diagnosis is essential.
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, be sure to see a physician to explore the underlying cause. If Botox is appropriate, your doctor can guide you to the right specialist for treatment.
Dr. Katherine Coley, MD, FACOG is your partner in total female wellness. With more than 22 years expertise in gynecology, Dr. Coley, practicing alongside Dr. Blusewicz in Bluffton, SC, specializes in the latest advancements in vaginal health, laxity, dryness, intimate comfort, bladder control, and bringing cutting-edge treatments to her patients. As a master-level aesthetic injector, Dr. Coley excels in neurotoxins, dermal fillers, body contouring, and vaginal rejuvenation, offering expert solutions for overall confidence. Now accepting new patients at Advanced Women’s Care of the Lowcountry & Aspire Medical Spa. Take the first step toward confidence and wellness today! Call 843-301-0718 for more information or to schedule your appointment.