Cluster headaches are severe headaches that can strike without warning and cause severe, sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the face or head. These attacks can be life-altering for those who experience them, and there is still no clear answer as to what causes them. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a physician in Bend, Oregon, specializes in helping patients with cluster headaches identify triggers, manage attacks, and get relief from symptoms.
What are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are a rare type of headache that is usually more common in men than women. It is also more likely to occur in individuals with a family history of cluster headaches. The symptoms of cluster headaches are unique and can include severe, one-sided pain, a stuffy and running nose, a watery eye, and drooping eyelids. Attacks come quickly and can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Some individuals will experience a series of cluster headache attacks for weeks or months before going into a “remission” period. During remission, individuals will be free of symptoms. This period can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months before another cluster begins.
How Dr. Kelley Mingus Can Help Patients
Dr. Kelley Mingus specializes in helping patients with neurological conditions like cluster headaches manage their symptoms and find relief. During a consultation, Dr. Mingus will spend time learning about your experience of cluster headaches and the ways that it has impacted your life. She will also ask you questions about your medical history and current lifestyle, as there are certain factors that can trigger cluster headaches.
After a thorough review of your case and a discussion of any potential triggers, Dr. Mingus will make recommendations to help you manage your symptoms and prevent future attacks. These recommendations can include lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods and staying away from cigarette smoke. She will also discuss alternative treatment options such as oxygen therapy, nerve blocks, or prescription medication.
Dr. Mingus is committed to helping her patients find the relief they need from cluster headache attacks. She will work closely with you to monitor your symptoms and make adjustments to treatments as needed. If a treatment is not effective, Dr. Mingus will work with you to come up with a new plan to help you find relief.
Living with Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches can take a toll on your quality of life, and Dr. Kelley Mingus is committed to providing you with the support you need. In addition to managing your symptoms, she will also help you find ways to cope with the pain and anxiety caused by cluster headache attacks. She can provide you with tools such as relaxation techniques and mind-body exercises to help improve your overall well-being and reduce stress, which can also lead to improvement in your symptoms.
It is important to remember that even though cluster headache attacks can be severe and sometimes disabling, the prognosis for individuals is generally good. Symptoms can usually be managed with the help of a healthcare professional such as Dr. Kelley Mingus. By working with Dr. Mingus, you can learn how to identify and avoid triggers, manage your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
Contact and Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Kelley Mingus
If you or a loved one is experiencing cluster headache attacks, contact Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Mingus will provide you with the support and care you need to identify triggers, manage clusters, and get the relief you are looking for. Don’t let cluster headaches get the best of you; schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelley Mingus today.
