Migraine

What causes migraines?

Migraines begin when something triggers your nerves, making them send a surge of electrical signals. The electrical activity causes a series of reactions. Blood flow increases, inflammatory substances flood the area, and you end up with one of the most severe headaches: a migraine.

Everyone who gets migraines has specific triggers. Some of the most common include:

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

Foods that often trigger a migraine include chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in histamines (processed meats and fermented foods).

What symptoms does a migraine cause?

A migraine can go through four distinct stages, but most people don’t experience all of them.

Phase 1: Prodrome

You may experience slight changes like mood swings or food cravings the day or two before your migraine begins.

Phase 2: Aura

One-third of people have neurological changes shortly before their migraine begins. For example, you may see wavy lines or flashing lights or feel tingling sensations.

Phase 3: Migraine attack

Migraines begin with a severe, throbbing pain near one temple. As your migraine progresses, the pain may also affect the opposite side. Other symptoms include:

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

Migraines last at least four hours and can continue for up to three days if you don’t take medication.

Phase 4: Post-drome

Even after the pain stops, some people need a day or two before they fully recover.

How is a migraine treated?

The team at Sage Pain & Wellness Institute creates a treatment plan based on the frequency and severity of your migraines. The first line of treatment often includes medications that reduce the severity of a current headache.

They also specialize in several advanced migraine treatments:

• CGRP monoclonal antibody injections (target substances causing migraine pain)
• Sphenopalatine ganglion block (blocks nerve signals involved in migraines)
• Neuromodulation (uses electrical impulses to regulate nerves)
• Botox® injections (for chronic migraines)

People with chronic migraines (15 or more migraine days a month) may qualify for Botox injections. Botox improves your pain and reduces the number of migraines you have in the future.

Sage Pain & Wellness Institute uses cutting-edge treatments to relieve and prevent migraines. To get the treatment you need, call the nearest office or book online today.