Migraines

What are migraines?

Migraines are a type of neurological disorder that causes moderate to severe head pain that worsens with activity. The pain may last hours or days and occur two or more times a month, interfering with how you live your life.

Migraines are common, affecting about 12% of people in the United States. You’re more likely to develop these recurring headaches if they run in your family. 

What are the phases of migraines?

Migraine symptoms occur in phases. However, you may not go through each phase every time you have a migraine.

Phases of migraines include:

Prodrome

The prodrome phase starts about 24 hours before your head pain, causing symptoms like food cravings, mood changes, and fluid retention. 

Aura

The aura phase may occur right before or during your migraine headache. During this phase, you may see bright flashing dots, have temporary vision changes, or feel tingling sensations.

Headache

A migraine headache causes throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head that gradually worsens over time and spreads. You may also have nausea and vomiting or sensitivity to light. 

Postdrome

The postdrome phase of a migraine occurs after your headache and can last up to a day. During this phase, you feel tired, weak, and confused.

When should I seek medical help for migraines?

You should seek help for migraines at Advanced Spine and Pain Center if your pain is affecting how you live your life. The board-certified physicians treat both acute and chronic migraines. 

They review your medical history and ask detailed questions about your pain and when it occurs. They may also ask you to keep a migraine headache journal to identify your migraine triggers (such as stress, weather changes, and food).

What are the treatments for migraines?

Migraine treatment focuses on managing acute pain and preventing or reducing migraine attacks. 

Acute migraine pain

Treatment for acute migraine pain may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription migraine pain medication. These medications work best when taken at the start of your headache, when symptoms are relatively mild. 

Preventing migraines

If you have severe or frequent migraines, you may benefit from prescription medications that reduce the frequency and severity of your head pain. 

Advanced Spine and Pain Center may also recommend interventional pain management treatments to reduce the severity and frequency of your migraines, such as nerve blocks, trigger point injections, or Botox®. 

For help managing your migraines, call Advanced Spine and Pain Center or schedule an appointment online today.