Tension type headaches
Tension type headaches are termed episodic if less than 15 days a month and chronic if more than 15. Almost everyone has had this type of headache. Think stress, lack of sleep, hangovers, flus. Duration is usually 1-2 hours, unlike migraine which is 4-72 hours. They are bilateral, non-throbbing, moderate in intensity, are not worse with movement such as bending over. Patients self-treat with Tylenol, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. and do not see a physician. Chronic Tension Headaches are less common but can be disabling. Underlying stressors should be sought. Best treatment options are antidepressants in the TCA or SNRI but not the SSRI class. Examples of TCA’s are Elavil, Pamelor; SNRI’s are Effexor, Cymbalta, and SSRI’s Prozac, Lexapro. Stress management and relaxation techniques may be more effective than medications.
Dr. Florin is committed to treating all patients compassionately with state-of-the-art techniques while maintaining their dignity and independence. He views each patient encounter as a collaboration. Dr Florin has over 35 years of experience. He is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Keck School of Medicine (USC) and is the founder and medical director of the Fullerton Neurology and Headache Center. He has been recognized by the Orange County Medical Association as a Physician of Excellence in Neurology. US News and World Report ranks him in the top 10% of neurologists nationwide.
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