health

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

April 11, 2026 / 8:00 AM EDT / CBS News

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

TL;DR

  • Jack Alston, a teen athlete, developed a persistent headache after sustaining hits during football practice and games in August 2024.
  • The headache significantly impaired his daily life, affecting his ability to focus on school, socialize, and engage in activities.
  • The Alston family consulted multiple specialists and tried various treatments, including dietary changes and a hyperbolic chamber, without success.
  • Jack was diagnosed with a persistent post-traumatic headache at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Konstantinos Tourlas.
  • After undergoing nerve blocks, oral medications, and IV treatments over several months, Jack's pain was reduced, and he eventually became pain-free.
  • Now pain-free, Jack is considering returning to sports and has pursued other interests and academic goals.