Migraines

Why do I have migraines?

Migraines are complex headaches caused by excessive nerve activity and increased blood flow carrying inflammatory substances. However, migraines begin when an internal or external event triggers the nerves. 

Though everyone has their own triggers, these are a few of the most common:

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

Foods that cause migraines include caffeine, processed meats, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and blue cheese.

What symptoms does a migraine cause?

Migraines have four possible stages, but you may only experience the actual migraine attack.

Phase 1: Prodrome

You may feel irritable, tired, or have food cravings and mood swings the day before your migraine begins.

Phase 2: Aura

Aura causes neurological changes shortly before your headache pain begins. Common symptoms include seeing wavy lines, flashing lights, and bright lines or shapes. You could also have unusual sensations like tingling or numbness.

Phase 3: Migraine attack

Migraines begin with severe throbbing pain near one temple. The pain may stay on one side or spread to include both temples. 

Migraines also cause body-wide symptoms, including:

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

Without treatment, your pain lasts at least four hours and can go on for days.

Phase 4: Post-drome

You may need an extra day to recover from the migraine. After the pain ends, many people feel tired, depressed, and confused.

How are migraines treated?

The Center for Neurology and Spine offers comprehensive migraine treatment to ease symptoms and prevent future migraines. Your provider answers your questions and teaches you about migraines and the steps you can take to improve your well-being.

They help you identify and plan a way to avoid triggers and prescribe medications. You can take some medicines at the start of a migraine to reduce your symptoms and stop the headache as quickly as possible.

The Center for Neurology and Spine specialists also offer advanced care like nerve blocks, intermodulation, and preventive care, including daily oral medications and Botox® injections.

Botox is approved to treat chronic migraines (15 or more migraine days every month), dramatically improving your pain and reducing the number of future migraines.

Call the Center for Neurology and Spine today or request an appointment online for expert migraine care.