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Migraine Headache

Migraine headaches are a complex neurological condition that can cause intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike typical headaches, migraines can last for hours or even days and may significantly disrupt daily activities. Migraines affect millions of people worldwide and can range from occasional mild discomfort to chronic and debilitating pain. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for migraines can help patients manage their condition and reduce the frequency and severity of their attacks.

What Causes Migraine Headaches?

While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to result from abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Several factors can trigger or worsen migraines, including:

  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraines.
  • Stress: Physical or emotional stress can increase muscle tension and trigger migraines.
  • Dietary Triggers: Certain foods and drinks, such as aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, can cause migraines.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns can increase the likelihood of a migraine.
  • Sensory Overload: Bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors can act as triggers.
  • Environmental Factors: Changes in weather, altitude, or barometric pressure can bring on a migraine.
  • Medications: Some medications, such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators, can trigger migraines.
  • Genetics: Migraines tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

Migraine symptoms can vary from person to person and may occur in stages, including the prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome phases. Common symptoms include:

  • Severe, Throbbing Headache: Pain is usually felt on one side of the head, but it can affect both sides.
  • Aura: Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or temporary vision loss may occur before or during the headache.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Many migraine sufferers experience stomach upset and vomiting during an attack.
  • Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Bright lights and loud noises can intensify the pain.
  • Sensitivity to Smell and Touch: Certain smells and physical contact can worsen symptoms.
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Migraines can leave patients feeling drained and physically weak.
  • Neck Pain and Stiffness: Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders may accompany the headache.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Mental fog and trouble focusing are common during and after a migraine.
  • Postdrome Symptoms: After the headache subsides, patients may feel exhausted, confused, or emotionally drained for up to 24 hours.

Diagnosing Migraine Headaches

At Ascent Pain, diagnosing migraines begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Your pain specialist will evaluate the frequency, duration, and severity of your headaches, along with any associated symptoms. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out other neurological conditions or structural issues in the brain. Keeping a headache diary that tracks triggers, symptoms, and medications can help your doctor identify patterns and develop an effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Migraine Headaches

The goal of treating migraines is to relieve pain, prevent future attacks, and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. At Ascent Pain, we offer a range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, including:

  • Medications:
    • Acute Medications: Triptans, NSAIDs, and anti-nausea medications can be used to relieve symptoms during an attack.
    • Preventative Medications: Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and CGRP inhibitors can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
  • Botox Injections: Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraines and works by blocking pain signals and relaxing muscle tension.
  • Nerve Blocks: A targeted injection near the occipital nerve or other affected nerves can reduce inflammation and block pain signals.
  • SPG (Sphenopalatine Ganglion) Block: A minimally invasive procedure where medication is applied to the sphenopalatine ganglion, a nerve cluster linked to migraine pain.
  • Trigger Point Injections: Injections into tight muscle areas (trigger points) can reduce muscle tension and prevent migraines.
  • Lifestyle and Dietary Counseling: Identifying and managing triggers such as stress, poor sleep, and dietary habits can help prevent migraines.
  • Biofeedback and Relaxation Therapy: Learning to control stress responses and muscle tension can reduce the likelihood of migraines. 

Get Relief from Migraine Headaches Today

If you are struggling with the debilitating effects of migraine headaches, Ascent Pain can help. Our experienced pain specialists will create a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t let migraines disrupt your daily life—schedule a consultation today.

Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or fill out our online form to request an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief.