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Migraine Headaches Q & A

What are migraine headaches?

Migraines are more than just a headache. Migraine headaches are a neurological condition that causes moderate to severe throbbing head pain. People who suffer from migraine headaches find them severe and debilitating. 

What are the stages of migraine headaches?

Migraine headache symptoms vary but can develop in stages. These stages include:

Prodrome

Prodrome stage of a migraine may occur a few hours or days before your headache. During this stage, you may feel irritable or have difficulty concentrating. 

Aura

The aura stage may occur before or during your headache and includes sensory symptoms like seeing flashes of light, ringing in the ear, or a tingling sensation on the skin. 

Headache

A migraine headache causes moderate to severe throbbing on one side of the head. The pain may last a few hours or a few days and also cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. 

Postdrome

After your headache, you may go through the postdrome stage. During this stage, you may feel depressed, tired, or euphoric. 

When should I see pain management for migraine headaches?

You should see the pain management specialists at The Neuroscience and Spine Institute for migraine headaches if traditional medical interventions fail to control your pain or you have frequent migraines.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your headaches, including the frequency and severity of your head pain and associated triggers, if known. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also do an MRI of your head to rule out other conditions that might explain your headaches. 

The pain specialists may also ask you to keep a headache diary to identify your migraine triggers. 

What are the treatments for migraine headaches?

The pain specialists at The Neuroscience and Spine Institute customize your migraine headache treatment plan based on the severity and frequency of your headaches.

Treatments for migraine headaches may include:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) migraine pain medication
  • Prescription migraine medication
  • Antidepressants
  • Botox® injections for chronic migraines
  • Avoiding migraine triggers

No single treatment works for all migraine sufferers, and your plan may change over time. The pain management experts at The Neuroscience and Spine Institute work closely with you, designing a plan that provides lasting relief.

Call The Neuroscience and Spine Institute or schedule your migraine headache consultation online today.