A teen athlete’s painful headache wouldn’t go away. It took over a year to find a cure.

Jack Alston, a young football player from Kentucky, had been playing the sport for most of his life. However, his habit of leading with his head during tackles eventually caught up with him. In August 2024, Jack was hit hard during a practice session, but he didn’t exhibit the typical symptoms of a concussion such as vomiting or loss of consciousness.

Instead, Jack was left with a mild headache. Initially, he brushed it off due to his history of migraines. But as the pain persisted, Jack, then in eighth grade, found it difficult to ignore. Despite the discomfort, he kept the pain to himself, not wanting to miss out on his beloved football games and practices. His parents, Caroline and her husband, were unaware of the extent of his suffering and regretted not following up on his condition.

Two weeks later, Jack took another hit during a game, exacerbating his already intense headache. This time, his parents decided to pull him out of the team. Doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, but the pain lingered, becoming unbearable for the young athlete.

The Alstons embarked on a journey to find a solution for Jack’s persistent post-traumatic headache. They consulted pediatricians, neurologists, and chiropractors, tried alternative treatments like hyperbolic chambers, and even traveled to Georgia to seek help from sports physicians. Despite their efforts, nothing seemed to alleviate Jack’s pain.

Eventually, they were referred to Dr. Konstantinos Tourlas, a pediatric neurologist and headache specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. After a series of nerve blocks and IV medications, Jack’s pain gradually decreased from a nine to a five out of 10. Further oral medications and treatments eventually led to Jack being pain-free after over a year of suffering.

Today, Jack, now 14, has returned to a normal life, free from the debilitating headaches. He has taken up lacrosse and is considering rejoining the football team, albeit with a newfound awareness of the risks involved. His parents, especially his mother, remain cautious about his return to football, knowing that another concussion could lead to a relapse of his condition.

In the meantime, Jack has been exploring other interests like weightlifting, playing the guitar, and studying to pursue a career in naval architecture and engineering. His parents are relieved to see him back on track and enjoying his teenage years to the fullest.

The Alstons are grateful for Dr. Tourlas’ expertise and the Cleveland Clinic’s care, which ultimately brought Jack relief from his debilitating headaches. They are hopeful for his future and are committed to supporting his interests while prioritizing his health and well-being.