Headache & Migraine Treatment in West Fargo

While both cause head pain, the distinction between a headache and a migraine often confuses people. Migraines are a neurological condition with more complex symptoms than a typical headache:

Migraines

• Pain is often moderate to severe, throbbing, or pulsating.
• Can last hours to days if untreated.
• Frequently occurs on one side of the head (but not always).
• Commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or visual/auditory disturbances (aura).
• Considered a chronic neurological condition, not just a “bad headache.”

Headaches

• Pain is usually mild to moderate.
• Often feels like pressure or tightness across the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
• May be triggered by stress, poor posture, dehydration, or lack of sleep.
• Typically not accompanied by additional symptoms.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists diagnose whether your pain is due to tension-type headaches, migraines, or another condition — and create a treatment plan designed for lasting relief.

Schedule an appointment or send us a message to learn what’s behind your head pain and how we can help.

The most common type of headache is the tension-type headache, which nearly everyone experiences at some point in their life. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are usually milder and less disabling, but they can still interfere with work, school, or daily activities.

Tension Headache Characteristics

• Pain level: Mild to moderate, steady (not throbbing).
• Location: Often feels like a tight band or pressure across both sides of the head, forehead, or back of the neck.
• Duration: Can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
• Triggers: Stress, fatigue, poor posture, eye strain, or skipping meals.
• Associated symptoms: Rarely accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or light/sound sensitivity (which are more common with migraines).

At our West Fargo-based headache clinic, providers carefully evaluate each patient to distinguish tension headaches from other conditions and guide the right treatment approach.

Learn more about tension headaches or book an appointment online to find relief.

Migraines are more than just severe headaches — they’re a neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms. While symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain — often moderate to severe, and frequently one-sided.
• Nausea and vomiting — common during attacks, making daily activities difficult.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells — triggers that can worsen pain.
• Visual disturbances (aura) — flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots in some patients.
• Dizziness or balance issues — especially with vestibular migraines.
• Cognitive difficulties — brain fog, trouble focusing, or slowed thinking.

How long do migraines last?

Without treatment, migraine attacks may last 4–72 hours. Some patients experience shorter attacks, while others may have prolonged or recurring episodes. Chronic migraines are defined as 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those having migraine features.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our migraine specialists help patients identify their triggers, reduce attack frequency, and find lasting relief.

Learn more about migraines or contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms with a provider.

Headaches and migraines can be brought on by a variety of triggers. Identifying your personal triggers is one of the most important steps in finding relief and preventing future episodes.

Common Headache & Migraine Triggers

• Stress — one of the leading triggers for both tension headaches and migraines.
• Sleep changes — too much or too little sleep, or poor sleep quality.
• Dietary factors — caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, skipped meals, or certain foods (aged cheese, processed meats, artificial sweeteners).
• Hormonal changes — fluctuations around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Sensory stimuli — bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors.
• Weather or environmental changes — barometric pressure shifts, humidity, or allergens.
• Posture and muscle strain — sitting at a desk, screen use, or neck tension.
• Medication overuse — frequent use of painkillers may actually cause rebound headaches.

Headache & Migraine Prevention Tips

• Track triggers — keep a headache diary to identify patterns.
• Manage stress — through exercise, mindfulness, counseling, or relaxation techniques.
• Prioritize sleep — aim for a consistent sleep schedule and healthy sleep environment.
• Stay hydrated & eat regularly — avoid skipping meals and keep water intake consistent.
• Limit medication use — follow your provider’s guidance to avoid rebound headaches.
• Seek specialty care — if headaches persist, a headache specialist can identify underlying causes and create a personalized prevention plan.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists work with patients to uncover triggers, manage lifestyle factors, and provide treatment that reduces both the frequency and severity of headaches.

Contact us to learn more about prevention strategies or to schedule an appointment.

Most headaches are not life-threatening, but some can signal a more urgent medical issue. It’s important to recognize red flag symptoms that may require immediate evaluation.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain — often described as “the worst headache of your life” (possible thunderclap headache).
• New headaches after age 50 — especially if you’ve never had headaches before.
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, or rash — could indicate infection.
• Headache with confusion, vision changes, or difficulty speaking — possible neurological concern.
• Headache after head injury — especially with nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
• Headache that changes pattern or intensity — worsening or different from your usual headaches.

When To See a Specialist

Even if your symptoms aren’t emergent, recurring or disabling headaches should be evaluated by a provider. A headache specialist can determine whether you’re dealing with migraines, tension-type headaches, or another condition — and guide you to effective treatment.

Give us a call at 701.809.7650 if your headaches are persistent, unexplained, or impacting your quality of life.

A rebound headache, also called a medication-overuse headache, happens when pain-relief medicines are taken too frequently. Instead of helping, the medication starts to cause more frequent or severe headaches.

Key Facts About Rebound Headaches

• Caused by frequent medication use — often from over-the-counter painkillers, triptans, or opioids.
• Headaches return quickly — relief is temporary, and pain comes back once the medication wears off.
• Daily or near-daily pain — headaches may become more frequent over time.
• Can mimic other headache types — sometimes looks like migraine or tension headaches, which makes diagnosis tricky.

Treatment for Rebound Headaches

• Stopping the overused medication — the most important step; withdrawal may temporarily worsen symptoms before they improve.
• Specialist guidance — tapering or stopping medications should be supervised by a provider, especially for prescription drugs.
• Prevention strategies — switching to safer treatment options, limiting use of acute medications, and starting preventive therapies.
• Comprehensive care — addressing triggers, lifestyle factors, and underlying headache conditions.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists help patients break the cycle of rebound headaches and develop long-term treatment plans that provide relief without overuse.

Contact us to discuss medication-overuse headaches and find safer, more effective treatment options.

Yes — headaches are one of the most common symptoms after a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These post-concussion headaches can appear immediately after the injury or develop days later, and they may persist for weeks or months.

What Post-Concussion Headaches Feel Like

• Migraine-like symptoms — throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.
• Tension-type symptoms — steady, pressure-like pain around the head or temples.
• Cervicogenic pain — headache starting in the neck and radiating upward.
• Worsening with activity — physical or mental exertion often makes symptoms more intense.

When to Seek Care

• If headaches are severe, persistent, or worsening after a concussion.
• If they occur with dizziness, confusion, vision changes, or balance problems.
• If symptoms interfere with school, work, sports, or daily life.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating post-concussion headaches. Our providers also offer Baseline Concussion Testing and Post-Concussion Testing to track brain health, recovery, and readiness for return-to-play or daily activities.

Schedule an appointment or call us if you’re dealing with ongoing headaches after a concussion.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often triggered by stress, posture, or muscle tension. While they can be disruptive, there are effective ways to manage and prevent them.

Treatment for Tension Headaches

• Over-the-counter pain relievers — ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen may help occasional tension headaches.
• Stress reduction techniques — relaxation exercises, meditation, or yoga can ease muscle tension.
• Physical therapy or massage — improves posture and reduces neck/shoulder strain.
• Heat or cold therapy — applying heat to the neck/shoulders or a cool compress to the forehead.
• Specialist care — for frequent or chronic tension headaches, a headache specialist can recommend preventive medications or advanced treatment options.

Prevention Strategies for Tension Headaches

• Manage stress daily — through exercise, journaling, or counseling.
• Practice good posture — especially when working at a desk or using screens.
• Take movement breaks — short stretches or walks to avoid muscle strain.
• Stay hydrated and nourished — skipping meals or dehydration may worsen symptoms.
• Prioritize sleep — regular, restorative sleep helps reduce headache frequency.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our providers create personalized plans to both treat active tension headaches and prevent future ones through lifestyle adjustments, trigger management, and medical care when needed.

Learn more about tension headaches or schedule an appointment for personalized treatment.

Chronic migraine is defined as having 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those days showing migraine features. Because chronic migraines can be highly disabling, treatment often requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach.

Treatment Options for Chronic Migraine

• Acute medications — taken at the onset of an attack to stop symptoms (e.g., triptans, gepants, NSAIDs).
• Preventive medications — used regularly to reduce frequency and severity (e.g., anti-seizure drugs, beta-blockers, antidepressants).
• CGRP inhibitors — newer, migraine-specific therapies that can be taken as injections or oral medications.
• Botox injections — FDA-approved for chronic migraine, given every 12 weeks to reduce attacks.
• Lifestyle modifications — improving sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding known triggers.
• Neuromodulation devices — noninvasive devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to ease migraine activity.
• Specialty care coordination — working with a headache specialist to combine therapies for maximum benefit.

Why Specialty Care Matters for Chronic Migraines

Many patients with chronic migraine struggle for years with limited relief. At Transcend Headache Clinic, our providers create tailored treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapies with personalized trigger management to help patients regain control over daily life.

Schedule an appointment to explore chronic migraine treatment options with our specialists.

A migraine aura is a group of sensory disturbances that can appear before or during a migraine attack. These may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, tingling in the face or hands, or difficulty speaking. Not everyone with migraines experiences aura, but for those who do, it can serve as a warning sign that a migraine is about to begin.

Learn more about migraines, or schedule an appointment if you experience these symptoms.

Yes. While not a cure, lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines. Consistent sleep, stress management, regular meals, hydration, and exercise are all proven to help. Avoiding known triggers — such as certain foods, excessive caffeine, or alcohol — can also prevent attacks.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists combine lifestyle strategies with medical treatment to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient.

Contact us to learn how personalized care can help you find lasting relief.