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The Headache and Concussion Center: A part of Norton Neuroscience Institute
Nearly everyone has experienced a headache. Most people find relief with over the counter pain relievers, but others have more serious, recurrent headache pain. For those seeking answers and relief for chronic headache pain or concussion, Norton Neuroscience Institute has developed The Headache and Concussion Center.
 The Headache and Concussion Center is the only treatment facility of its kind in the region. Under the direction of Tad Seifert, M.D., the center offers expert treatment of all types of headaches. Dr. Seifert currently is the only fellowship-trained headache neurologist in Kentucky. After completing his neurology residency, Dr. Seifert obtained additional training in headache and facial pain at The Houston Headache Clinic in Texas, one of the country’s premier centers for headache treatment.
While not all headache pain requires medical attention, some types of headaches can make daily life and activities unbearable, or they may be a symptom of a more serious health issue. It’s important to seek prompt medical treatment for severe or recurrent headaches.
The Headache and Concussion Center treats
- Migraine headache
- Chronic daily headache
- Cluster headache
- Analgesic rebound headache
- Cervicogenic headache
- Menstrual-associated headache
- Tension headache
- Post-concussive/Post-traumatic headache
- Sports-related concussion
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Occipital neuralgia
Advanced treatment options are available. Services are provided in a comfortable, state-of-the-art outpatient setting and include:
Pharmacological treatment: After a detailed history and physical exam, this treatment plan will be developed to include both preventive and rescue medications tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Outpatient infusion center: Our close proximity to the Norton Infusion Center at Norton Suburban Hospital provides a convenient place for direct IV access if needed. Often patients suffering from continuous, unrelenting headaches can find relief from a short course of outpatient infusions over a three- to five-day period. This treatment approach can prevent unneeded trips to an emergency room or admissions to the hospital.
Psychological and behavioral therapy: People who suffer from chronic headaches often experience anxiety and depression. When appropriate, referrals can be made for psychiatric consultation or biofeedback therapy.
Physical therapy: Chronic tension type and cervicogenic headaches often are associated with constant muscle tension and guarding. Patients may find relief through physical therapy to increase mobility of the neck and shoulders. After treatment, patients are instructed on long-term exercises.
Nutritional counseling: Patients may receive counseling on following “the headache diet” to avoid certain trigger foods and reduce intake of tyramine, caffeine and preservatives.
Botox injections: Patients meeting certain criteria may benefit from Botox injections, which work to “paralyze” muscles in the head and provide relief from some types of headaches.
Trigger point injections: Headaches often are associated with very tender or painful areas in the neck, particularly near the base of the skull. Patients may get significant relief from a long-acting anesthetic injection at the tender site.
Occipital nerve blocks: Patients with pain originating from the occipital nerve experience a painful, tingling sensation in the neck that radiates to the back of the head. An injection of a local anesthetic, called an occipital nerve block, can provide relief for this type of pain.
Neurosurgical referral: As part of Norton Neuroscience Institute, we have access to some of the most experienced and highly trained neurosurgeons in the region. Some patients suffering from cluster headaches or trigeminal neuralgia who have not benefited from medical treatment may be candidates for radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy, a surgical treatment for these difficult-to-manage headaches.
Inpatient admission: We provide streamlined admission to Norton Suburban Hospital when standard outpatient treatment approaches are not an option.
Sports concussion treatment: We assist injured athletes through the recovery period following concussion injuries. We use ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) software, a computer-based test to assist with determining the extent of concussive injury and making safe return-to-play decisions.
A concussion is caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Concussion is the most common sports-related brain injury in the United States and about 300,000 traumatic brain injuries are reported each year due to sports or recreational activities.
Concussions affect brain function (e.g., memory, processing speed) and may lead to the development of several physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms. Because brain structure is often not damaged during a concussion, diagnostic tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), likely will appear normal.
Watch this video about Concussions
Symptoms of concussion
Individuals who suffer from concussions can develop several physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms, including:
- Physical – headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, visual problems, fatigue, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, numbness/tingling
- Cognitive – feeling mentally “foggy,” feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, confused about recent events, repeating questions
- Emotional – irritability, sadness, more emotional, nervousness
- Sleep-related – drowsiness, sleeping more than usual, sleeping less than usual, trouble falling asleep
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call The Headache and Concussion Center at (502) 899-6782. At the present time, the center is not equipped to treat expectant mothers or individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. Patients and referring physicians also should be aware that we do not prescribe narcotics.
Norton Suburban Medical Plaza II
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