Migraines

What are migraines?

Migraines are a severe kind of headache that typically cause throbbing pain. Migraines can cause such severe symptoms that they incapacitate you for hours, even days in some cases. For some sufferers, migraines start suddenly, but others experience warning signs called auras.

Auras are sensory, motor, or verbal disturbances that usually start shortly before the migraine begins. They can include flashing lights or dark spots in your vision, hearing imaginary music, or a tingling sensation in your face, arm, or leg.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

The symptoms of a migraine often go beyond the pain. In addition to the throbbing head pain, you can experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Sensitivity to certain scents
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A feeling of lightheadedness

Your symptoms usually taper slowly until they're gone following a migraine, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted.

How are migraines treated?

At Pain Medicine Consultants, migraine treatment is based on the individual. Some patients respond well to oral medication, which can be either an as-needed medicine or a preventive one.

Some migraine sufferers get excellent relief from Botox® injections. Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine sufferers, so you could qualify for this treatment if you have migraines at least 15 days of each month.

Another option is biofeedback, which is a relaxation tool that teaches you how to manage the physical responses that can lead to migraines.

Occipital nerve blocks can be effective for chronic migraine sufferers who tend to have pain starting in the neck or back of the head. In this type of nerve block, your doctor injects a solution containing an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid into the occipital nerves around your second and third neck vertebrae. Relief can last for days, weeks, even months.

Magnesium IV infusions can relieve both chronic and acute migraine pain. Infusions take as little as 15 minutes, and you can start an infusion even when you're in the midst of a severe migraine. Many patients get almost-immediate relief for magnesium IV infusions. With regularly scheduled infusions, you can potentially reduce the amount and intensity of your migraines.

Your doctor can work with you to create a migraine relief plan that works now and long-term.

Use online scheduling or call Pain Medicine Consultants now for your appointment.