What is a migraine?
A migraine isn’t a typical headache; it is a neurological disorder that involves nerve pathways and chemicals in your brain. This type of headache not only causes severe throbbing pain in your head, but it also typically produces additional symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances, like halos, flashing lights, or spots
- Extreme sensitivity to stimuli, like light or sound
- Temporary vision loss
When you have a migraine, your symptoms can last for a few hours or days. For some people, migraine symptoms can be debilitating.
What causes a migraine?
Migraines are typically due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Common migraine triggers include:
- High stress at work or at home
- Sensory stimulation, like strong smells or bright lights
- Too little or too much sleep
- Intense physical exertion
- Certain foods, like aged cheese or salty items
- Food additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate) or aspartame
- Highly caffeinated beverages or wine
- Hormonal fluctuations in women
- Certain medications
- Changes in the barometric pressure or whether
Your chances of having this type of headache increase if you’re a woman, and approximately 90% of migraine sufferers have family members with a history of the disorder.
How do you treat a migraine?
Dr. Khoury takes a comprehensive approach to treating migraine headaches. First, he works closely with you to try to identify your migraine triggers. By identifying these factors, Dr. Khoury can help you manage and avoid them whenever possible.
Depending on your migraine triggers and the severity and frequency of your headache symptoms, Dr. Khoury might recommend several therapies to manage your condition. Common treatments for migraines often include:
- Herbs, minerals, and supplements
- Oral, sublingual, nasal, or injectable medications
- Occipital nerve blocks
- Botox injections
- Alternative therapies, like acupuncture
In addition to medical treatments for migraines, Dr. Khoury might also recommend making lifestyle changes to help your condition. These approaches often include practicing relaxation or stress management techniques like meditation, incorporating regular aerobic exercise into your schedule, and developing a consistent sleep pattern. It can also be helpful to drink plenty of water and keep a headache diary to track your symptoms.
For more information on migraines, call Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.
