They can make it difficult to work, sleep, and be around social settings, headaches can interfere with just about every aspect of your daily life. Although they are a common health condition and a very common source of pain, headaches are not always well understood, and because there are different kinds of headaches and some are symptoms of certain conditions, it's important to seek help from a professional if you are suffering from frequent pain. Below will be outlined some of the different kinds of headaches but you can learn more by getting in contact with your local experts at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA.

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are those that are not symptoms of another condition, rather, when they are the condition themselves.

These types of headaches typically include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches are often attributed to inadequate sleep, poor posture, and stress, and are typically responsive to over-the-counter pain medication.

Migraines can bring about moderate to severe pain and can last from a few hours to a few days, often resulting in nausea and vomiting.

Cluster headaches are named because they tend to manifest in groups or clusters, happening from 1 to 8 times per day for weeks, sometimes months, before going into remission for months again, or years. They are the most severe of the primary headaches.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are those that are brought on by another medical condition that can be diagnosed and often treated directly to manage these and other symptoms.

While there are many examples, one of the most common types is sinus headaches. These can occur when you are sick and suffering from an infection that causes the passageways inside the sinuses to become inflamed and infected. This creates great pressure, and often severe pain that some have likened to the experience of a toothache and that is often misdiagnosed as a migraine.

Headache Treatment in Winchester, VA

If you are struggling with regular headaches or migraines you may be able to find relief by scheduling a consultation with Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, by dialing (540) 667-1828.

An electroencephalogram, commonly referred to as an EEG, is a diagnostic test for detecting abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain or in the brain waves. The test aids in diagnosing various brain disorders, such as epilepsy. The experienced and caring team of physicians at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, perform EEG testing and can determine if you need one.

When an EEG is Needed

An EEG is needed when any type of brain disorder is suspected. Doctors use the data collected during the test to identify factors influencing brain activity and diagnose specific disorders. The experienced doctors who perform EEG tests at our Winchester, VA, neurological practice will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you need an EEG.

Brain disorders and conditions that can be diagnosed through EEG testing include:

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Brain lesions due to stroke or tumors
• Certain types of psychoses
• Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder)
• Alzheimer’s disease

In addition to aiding in the diagnosis of certain conditions, an EEG test can also be used for other purposes. It helps doctors monitor the flow of blood to the brain during surgery. An EEG can also provide information about the brain’s overall electrical activity, which is useful in evaluating trauma or the extent of brain damage in a patient who is comatose.

The Electroencephalogram (EEG) Procedure

EEG testing can be performed either in the hospital or as an outpatient procedure, depending on the patient’s condition and other factors. The procedure is painless and all you need to do is lie back, relax, and be still. Several small metal electrodes will be placed on your scalp. Thin wires attached to the electrodes transmit information about your brain activity during the EEG test. The doctor or technician performing the test will be able to observe the data on a computer screen.

An EEG test can take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours, on average. It is necessary to remain still throughout the procedure in order to gather information about the brain’s activity while you are at rest. However, the doctor or technician might also introduce stimuli later to observe brain activity when not at rest. For example, data might be gathered while you are exposed to bright, flashing lights or while you breath quickly and deeply for several consecutive minutes.

The information gathered during the test can reveal what might be affecting the brain. For instance, an EEG test produces rapid spiking waves on screen when seizure activity is present, which is indicative of epilepsy. If there is a lesion on the brain from a tumor or stroke, the EEG test might show unusually slow waves.

An EEG is an extremely useful and effective test for diagnosing a diverse range of brain conditions and disorders so that an appropriate treatment plan can be developed. For EEG testing in Winchester, VA, schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable and caring providers by calling Winchester Neurological Consultants at (540) 667-1828.

How your neurologists in Winchester, VA, can help you recover after a stroke

A stroke can be devastating, making an impact on your quality of life. It’s important to seek out support and help from friends and family as you recover. Your neurologist is there to help speed your recovery too.

The neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, provide a wide range of medical services, including stroke treatment to help you recover from a stroke.

Did you know there are two different types of strokes? Your treatment can vary, depending on the type of stroke you experience.

The first type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot which has blocked the amount of blood flowing to your brain. This is also the most common type of stroke.

Treatment for an ischemic stroke centers around breaking up the clot, so your blood can flow freely again. Common treatment includes:

IV administration of Alteplase medication which breaks up the clot. It’s particularly effective during the early stages of a stroke.

Endovascular treatment to remove the clot and re-establish blood flow. This procedure is most helpful if it can be used within the first 6 hours of a stroke, but it is still helpful if used within 24 hours.

The second type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by a ruptured blood vessel in your brain, which results in uncontrolled bleeding in your brain. A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by chronic high blood pressure, an aneurysm, or abnormal blood vessels.

Treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke centers around stopping the bleeding in your brain. Common treatment includes:

• Treating the source of the bleeding using a catheter
• Surgical therapy to treat an aneurysm

Remember that a stroke can be fatal, so it’s important to call emergency services immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Light headedness or fainting
• Numbness in the face, arm, or leg, usually only on one side
• Blurred vision or vision loss in one eye
• Problems speaking or understanding what others are saying
• A sudden, excruciating headache
• Unsteadiness or being unable to walk

To find out more about the types of stroke and how your neurologist can treat a stroke, call the neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA. You can reach them by calling (540) 667-1828, so call now.

Your time is precious, and you have got things to do, so you must get enough sleep at night to be active. Sleep is one of our most fundamental needs as humans, and yet many of us will experience some kind of sleep disorder during our lifetime.

Sleep deprivation can lead to several serious medical conditions and even reduce your lifespan. Everyone has a bad night’s sleep once in a while, but a consistent pattern of poor sleep may indicate an underlying sleep disorder that requires treatment. Winchester Neurological Consultants is your sleep disorders clinic in Winchester, VA. Our team can help you feel your best and get some rest.

Some common types of sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia, in which you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night
• Sleep apnea, in which you experience abnormal patterns in breathing while you are asleep. There are several types of sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome is a type of sleep movement disorder
• Narcolepsy is a condition characterized by extreme sleepiness during the day and falling asleep suddenly during the day

What Causes Sleep Disorders?

Because sleep disorders vary, they have several causes. Some are due to your nervous or respiratory system, while others are based on your habits. Some of the habits that can affect your quality of sleep include:

• Caffeine and alcohol consumption
• An irregular schedule, such as working the night shift
• Aging, because as people age, they often get less sleep or spend less time in the deep, restful stage of sleep. They are also more easily awakened

Visit Your Sleep Disorders Clinic in Winchester, VA

If you are concerned that you may have developed a sleep disorder, make sure to call our office right away. Our experienced team can perform a diagnostic screening test for you in order to diagnose you. From there, we can determine the best course of treatment.

To schedule an appointment at your sleep disorders clinic in Winchester, VA, call Winchester Neurological Consultants at (540) 667-1828.

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

We all know that sleep is critical for health and well-being, but if you wake up exhausted and find yourself having trouble staying away throughout the day, you could be dealing with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can’t be cured, but our Winchester, VA, neurologists can diagnose and help you manage your symptoms to improve sleep quality and your health.

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

If you are dealing with sleep issues, many sleep disorders could be to blame. Here are some signs that you might be dealing with sleep apnea,

• Your partner comments that you stop breathing for several seconds throughout the night
• You wake up gasping for air
• You are a chronic snorer, or you snore most nights loudly
• You deal with frequent morning headaches
• You experience brain fog and trouble concentrating
• You wake up exhausted despite getting a full night’s rest
• You find yourself more irritable and prone to mood swings
• You find yourself falling asleep at your desk or behind the wheel of your car

If you said “yes” to some of these statements above, you could likely be dealing with sleep apnea. The problem is that many people don’t even realize they have it. Still, it’s important that you schedule an evaluation with our Winchester, VA, neurologists so that we can perform the appropriate sleep tests to diagnose you.

What happens if I don’t treat sleep apnea?

Ignoring or leaving sleep apnea untreated is detrimental to your health and wellbeing. Not only does it impact your sleep quality, but also it can negatively affect your work performance and relationships. It can also leave you prone to injuries and accidents. Worse yet, untreated sleep apnea can also increase your risk for,

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• High blood pressure

Why should I turn to a neurologist?

A neurologist specializes in treating conditions affecting central and peripheral nervous systems. While a sleep specialist can treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) since this is a breathing disorder, if you are dealing with central sleep apnea, you’ll want a neurologist who knows how to treat this central nervous system condition.

In fact, our Winchester, VA, neurologists treat sleep apnea and other types of sleep problems, including insomnia and narcolepsy. We’ll be able to detect whether your sleep apnea could be neurological and provide you with a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.

Do you suspect that you might have sleep apnea? If so, our Winchester, VA, team can perform a sleep study to determine your sleep problems. To get started, call Winchester Neurological Consultants at (540) 667-1828.