Migraine

What are migraines?

Sometimes referred to as a migraine headache, a migraine is a neurological condition that can cause severe pain, visual disturbances, and other neurological symptoms. The American Migraine Foundation has estimated that more than 36 million Americans experience migraines.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

Migraine symptoms vary significantly among individuals. Migraines occur in phases; many people feel dizzy, tired, or irritable for a day or so before an attack. Migraine pain and other symptoms are sometimes concentrated on one side of the body or may involve both sides.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with migraines include:

• Visual disturbances or vision loss
• Visual aura (patterned, “zig-zag,” or flashing lights)
• Severe pain that throbs or pulsates
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Following a migraine attack, you may continue to feel fatigued, have difficulty concentrating, or generally feel unwell for another day or two.

What causes migraines?

Researchers don’t know exactly why people get migraines, but genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to the condition. Migraines tend to run in families, and women are three times more likely than men to have the condition.

Many people who suffer from migraines are able to identify triggers that seem to cause an attack. Some common triggers include:

• Stress
• Exercise
• Certain foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Skipping meals
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Exhaustion
• Inadequate or interrupted sleep

Changes in the weather, barometric pressure, or changes in altitude are also known to trigger migraines in some patients.

How are migraines treated?

If you suffer from migraine symptoms, the skilled providers at Pinnacle Health Group will begin with a comprehensive physical exam and a detailed medical history. They may order blood work and diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, to rule out any other possible causes of your neurological symptoms.

Migraine treatment options include:

• Trigger identification and avoidance
• Over-the-counter and prescription pain medication
• Nausea medication
• Preventive medications
• Lifestyle changes

If you’ve been diagnosed with migraines, your doctor will create a custom treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and prevent or reduce future attacks.

To find out more about migraine management at Pinnacle Health Group, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

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