Migraines

What causes migraines?

Excessive nerve activity and inflamed blood vessels in the brain cause migraines. The unusual brain activity typically begins due to a trigger, such as:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Drinking alcohol
• Dehydration
• Strong odors
• Hormone changes
• Bright or flashing lights
• Changes in the weather
• Certain foods

Processed meats, chocolate, blue cheese, caffeine, and foods containing artificial sweeteners or preservatives often trigger migraines.

How will I feel during a migraine?

Migraines progress through four possible stages, but you may not experience all of them.

Phase 1: Prodrome

The day or two before a migraine, 40-60% of people feel unusually tired and irritable. You may have mood swings or food cravings.

Phase 2: Aura

Two out of 10 people experience aura shortly before their headache begins. Aura refers to symptoms such as seeing flashing lights, bright shapes, and wavy lines or having sensations like tingling and numbness.

Phase 3: Migraine attack

This is the only stage everyone experiences. Migraines begin with extreme, throbbing pain around one temple. Your pain may stay on one side of your head or involve both temples.

In addition to your head pain, migraines also cause:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
• Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch
• Facial pressure or sinus pain

If you don’t seek treatment, migraines may last at least four hours and up to several days.

Phase 4: Post-drome

Many people don’t regain their health and energy for a day after their migraine ends. During this recovery time, you may feel confused, tired, and depressed.

How are migraines treated?

Identifying and avoiding your triggers helps prevent migraines. Your treatment may include medication to ease the pain when a migraine begins or to reduce the number of future migraines.

The experienced interventional pain specialists at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine specialize in advanced migraine treatments, including:

• GRP monoclonal antibody injections (target substances causing migraine pain)
• Sphenopalatine ganglion block (blocks nerve signals)
• Neuromodulation (uses electrical impulses to regulate nerves)
• Botox® injections (reduces future migraines)

Botox is available for people with chronic migraines (15 or more headache days a month, each lasting at least four hours).

Don’t wait to get help for migraines. Schedule an appointment at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine by phone or request one online today.