# UK HealthCare offers specialized relief for chronic headaches **Published:** 2026-07-15T19:35:56.000Z **Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/finding-relief-chronic-headaches) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-healthcare-offers-specialized-relief-for-chronic-headaches LEXINGTON, Ky. — Millions of people suffer from chronic headaches, yet many never seek specialized care. UK HealthCare's [headache treatment programs](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/conditions/headache) aim to change that, offering patients access to board-certified specialists and groundbreaking therapies. According to Dana Ionel, D.O., a headache specialist at UK HealthCare, "There are more than 200 types of headaches." The most common are tension headaches—typically mild and affecting both sides of the head—and migraines, which are more severe and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are a neurological disease with a strong genetic link. [The health column published by UK HealthCare](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/finding-relief-chronic-headaches) noted that many migraine patients remain untreated. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, only 4% of people experiencing severe, recurring migraines seek care from headache specialists. Treatment options have expanded significantly. [Since 2018, eight FDA-approved medications now target CGRP, a chemical involved in migraines](https://mirneurology.com/cgrp-migraine-prevention-options-2026/). The development represents a major shift from earlier treatments that were originally designed for other conditions like seizures or depression. Research is also exploring PACAP, another pain-related chemical, with early results showing promise. UK HealthCare distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary approach. [The system operates the first and only multidisciplinary clinic in the region focused on headache treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults under 25](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/conditions/child-neurology/children-young-adult-headache-research-program), which is rare nationally. UK HealthCare also employs neuro-ophthalmologists—the only two practicing in Kentucky—alongside experts in orofacial pain, neurosurgery, and interventional pain management. Dr. Ionel recommended that patients with frequent headaches keep a headache diary to track patterns and identify triggers. Common triggers include poor sleep, high stress, weather changes, poor posture, certain foods, and screen exposure. Lifestyle modifications—including regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and good sleep—can help prevent headaches. "Migraine is an invisible illness, so it's important to let your doctor know how much it affects your life," Dr. Ionel said. Patients seeking care can call [UK HealthCare's UK Headache Center at 859-323-5661](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/neurology/headache). ## Sources - [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/finding-relief-chronic-headaches) - [UK HealthCare's Headache Center services and specialist information](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/conditions/headache) - [Information on CGRP migraine treatment options available as of 2026](https://mirneurology.com/cgrp-migraine-prevention-options-2026/) - [UK HealthCare's pediatric headache clinic for children and young adults](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-neuroscience-institute/conditions/child-neurology/children-young-adult-headache-research-program) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/finding-relief-chronic-headaches.