Migraine Specialist

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a painful, intense, and disabling type of recurring headache. The pain can be so severe it's impossible to function normally, or even move at times. Other symptoms that can accompany the pain include:

• Sound and light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Faintness or dizziness
• Weakness
• Difficulty thinking clearly

Some people experience auras, where they see flashes of light, bright spots, or other visual disturbances that often begin before the pain sets in.

People who have migraines can frequently tell when one is coming because they pick up on subtle changes that occur in the days leading up to an attack. These forewarnings are personal to you but might be things like digestive upsets or mood changes.

You might only have a migraine once every few years or even less, or you could get attacks every month. In severe cases, patients experience multiple migraines every month, making it almost impossible to lead a normal life.

Why do I get migraines?

The reasons why some people get migraines and some don't isn't clear, but there's likely to be some genetic influence that makes you more susceptible to migraines. There are also risk factors that increase your chances of experiencing a migraine, such as:

• Drinking alcohol
• Eating certain foods
• Hormone fluctuations
• Dehydration
• Skipping meals
• Taking certain medications
• Lack of sleep
• Chronic stress
• Strenuous exercise
• Caffeine
• Smoking

Migraines are more common in women – around three times as many women experience migraines as men. In most patients, migraines first start happening before middle age.

What treatments can help my migraine?

There are various ways to combat the symptoms of a migraine, including

Self-help

You can help reduce your likelihood of having a migraine with simple actions such as adopting stress-relief strategies, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, and undertaking regular physical activity. Learning to identify your migraine triggers is also an excellent way of avoiding migraines.

Injectables

Medical Botox® injections are an effective treatment for patients who get 15 or more headaches a month, the majority of which are migraines. Other injectables that could help with migraines include occipital nerve blocks (local anesthetic injections to nerves in your head) and trigger point injections.

Complementary medicine

Many people who suffer from migraines find they benefit from complementary therapies, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Herbal medicines
• Therapeutic massage

Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be helpful for some patients.

Medications

Medications can stop migraines from developing, and if they do arrive, keep them from becoming so severe. There are numerous different types of migraine medication – Dr. Tesfaye can advise which ones would be suitable for you at your consultation.

To find relief from the frequency and intensity of your migraines, call Atlanta Neuro Care today, or book an appointment online.