Dr. Myung Sung Yang, MD

• Migraines: one of the most prevalent types of headache, migraines typically last from two hours to three days, causing a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Nausea, sensitivity to bright lights, fatigue, and blurred vision all may accompany migraines. While migraines have no known cure, medications and lifestyle modifications may ease symptoms. Avoiding behaviors that may trigger migraines such as lack of sleep or loud, repetitive noises can improve headaches.
• Tension headaches: also known as stress headaches, these headaches are characterized by pain in the upper top part of the head and behind the eyes. Tension headaches are common and have no exact cause; however, certain practices may increase the likelihood of developing them. For example, wearing one's hair up in a tight hairstyle or wearing a restrictive hat can put pressure on the scalp, leading to a tension headache. Other causes of tension headaches may include alcohol or nicotine use, caffeine, teeth grinding, stress, overexertion, and eye strain. Some people find posture improvement, alternating sleeping positions, and neck exercise can alleviate tension headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may also reduce tension-headache pain.
• Sinus headaches: this type of headache causes pain in the sinuses, but may progress to pain and pressure in the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. These headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion, fatigue, and ache in the upper teeth and may or may not be caused by sinus infections or sinusitis (sinus inflammation). Some sinus headaches are allergic headaches, which arise from allergic triggers such as seasonal allergies (pollen allergies) or hay fever, causing sinus pressure and facial pain. Other symptoms of allergic headaches include nasal congestion, irritated or watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic headaches may be treated with antihistamine medications such as cetirizine (Zyrtec). Allergic headaches are common during pollen season, which is usually around springtime.
• Cluster headaches: these headaches occur suddenly and cause stabbing, sharp pain from one eye down to the one side of the neck. They are often referred to as the most aggravating and painful type of headaches. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include nasal congestion, droopy eyelid, and enlarged pupil on one side of the face. In the past, it was widely believed that cluster headaches were caused by a bevy or "cluster" of multiple types of headaches, such as a combination of an allergic headache and a tension headache. Medical experts now recognize that cluster headaches are a separate and unique form of headache. Cluster headaches last for around twenty minutes to two hours. They may recur throughout the period of a day or several weeks, but usually dissipate within a month. Treatment for cluster headaches includes over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motren) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Prescription Prednisone can help with swelling and Verapamil may reduce pain by relaxing the blood vessels.

Living with headaches is challenging; headaches can prevent people from fully enjoying life. Medical treatment and care in avoiding certain triggers can help those with headaches begin to feel normal once again.

Both injection and aspiration are techniques that involve inserting a needle connected to a syringe directly into the joint. Aspiration involves the removal of excess fluid, and injection is the placement of medication directly into the joint space via the needle. Both procedures may be performed at the same time. In both cases a local anesthetic may be used, the skin will be cleaned and disinfected, and then the needle will be inserted. In some cases, especially if the injection or aspiration is in a large and deep joint such as the hip or spine, ultrasound may be used to guide the needle to the exact location desired.

In some cases, irritation to the joint can cause fluid to build up so significantly that the joint hurts and can no longer move well. Aspiration removes some of the excess fluid and relieves the pressure. In addition, aspiration can be used to provide a sample of joint fluid if it needs to be examined microscopically for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, or crystal formations.

Certain injuries and diseases that affect joints are inflammatory in nature, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis or gout. These diseases may be helped by the local injection of anti-inflammatory medications directly into the affected joint. In this case, corticosteroids such as methylprednisone are usually used. Relief from the pain may be felt right away and may last for weeks or even months.

In some cases, such as with osteoarthritis, the cartilage buffer between the two bones wears down and pain comes from bones rubbing against each other. In this case, injection of a lubricating agent such as hyaluronic acid may be beneficial. It provides a slippery cushion between the bones to relieve pain that can last for months.

Spinal cord injury medicine seeks to stabilize the spine and to alleviate the symptoms of spine damage. Practitioners of spinal cord injury medicine are called spinal cord injury specialists. Spinal cord injury medicine is an interdisciplinary field, meaning physicians of various specialties may be trained to treat spinal cord injuries.

Damage to the spinal cord may initially be diagnosed through X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Patients can also undergo spinal exams to evaluate their sensory ability and strength. Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete (no feeling or sensation) or incomplete (some feeling or sensation remains). Conditions spinal cord injury medicine specialists may treat include:

• Paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the legs), or quadriplegia (loss of function from the neck down)
• Spine fracture or trauma, which can lead to impairment and/or significant pain
• Spinal infections
• Myelopathies, such as herniated disks, spinal tumors, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylosis, and degenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)

Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves surgery, either directly after an injury occurs or at a later date. Surgery for spine injuries is intended to ease spinal compression and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures can involve shifting vertebrae, removing bone, or altering spinal placement with implantable devices. Patients with significant spinal trauma may require urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical treatments can be complemented by rehabilitative physical therapy to improve mobility. Spinal cord injury specialists also treat complications arising from a spinal injury, such as respiratory or bladder conditions. Some patients with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong treatment. Spinal cord injury specialists aim to help these patients successfully adjust and lead an improved quality of life. An emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries is neural prosthetics, which replicate patients' lost nerve function. Neural prostheses may be used as artificial body parts or assistive devices that patients may cognitively control. Other assistive devices include wheelchairs and scooters.

Spinal cord injury specialists may collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, neurologists, urologists, and orthopedists.