Migraines are recurring, severe headaches that are different from other types of headaches. This is also referred to as a chronic health condition called a migraine, characterized by intense pain with a complex set of symptoms.
If you experience migraines, understanding triggers, prevention, and treatment options can help. Watch this informative video from our interventional pain management specialist, Dr. Graham McRary, to learn more.
What Causes Migraines?
Unfortunately, even experts do not know exactly what causes migraines. Plenty of research is ongoing to determine the underlying reasons some people experience migraines.
According to Dr. McRary, “it’s thought to be a combination of nerve and vascular phenomena, sometimes acting peripherally, meaning from the outside of the brain, and sometimes also with nerve transmitters and peptides in the transmission of pain inside the brain.”
While a single or definitive cause remains elusive, experts know of many potential triggers for migraine attacks. Some examples of triggers include:
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods or food additives
- Stress
- Sensory stimuli, like strong smells or loud noises
- Changes in the weather
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Physical exertion
- Low blood sugar
- Motion sickness
Migraine vs. Headache
While several different types of pain can be classified as headaches, migraines are different. Dr. McRary explains that “migraines typically follow a classic pattern, lasting longer, a little bit harder to treat, and responding only to certain types of treatment.”
Migraines can be short-term, but they often last for hours. Some people have migraines that last for days. They often worsen with physical activity or sensory stimuli, such as strong smells or bright lights.
Migraines are also often accompanied by other symptoms not present with headaches. These include mood changes, fatigue, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and increased thirst and hunger. Some people also have aura, sensory, or motor symptoms leading up to migraine pain: visual changes, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to touch, numbness, and tingling.
Triggers and Preventing Migraines
Prevention is the best medicine for many health conditions, including migraines. Start by keeping a headache journal to identify common triggers. Determining your triggers and doing what you can to eliminate or reduce them will help you prevent many migraines.
Some are easier to manage than others. For instance, if changes in the weather bring on migraines, you will struggle to prevent them. If you find alcohol or certain foods cause you migraines, you should avoid them. Many people have multiple triggers. The more you can control or avoid, the easier it is to prevent migraines.
Managing triggers is just one part of prevention. Medications can also help reduce the frequency of migraines. These, along with lifestyle changes, can make a big difference in how many migraines you experience and how intense they are.
Treatment for Migraines
Fortunately, there are many medical treatments for migraines. Medications can help prevent migraines, reducing their frequency and intensity. Some medications also help reduce the pain of migraines as they occur. Some are taken orally, while others are injectable.
Botox injections can also help prevent and treat migraine pain and other symptoms. Injections relax skeletal muscles of the scalp, in the face, or in the upper neck to prevent and manage peripheral migraine sources.
When To Seek Specialist Care for Migraines—Interventional Pain Management
You can see a pain management specialist at any time for learning how to prevent migraines or to find treatment solutions that really work.
Dr. McRary shares that “family medicine providers and primary care providers are typically very knowledgeable. If it gets past their expertise, usually either a neurologist or a pain management physician may be helpful for continuing your treatment.”
A specialist can help you determine specific triggers and develop plans for managing them. They can also prescribe and administer any medications or therapies that will help reduce the frequency of migraines or reduce pain while you are experiencing one.
If you are struggling with headaches and migraines, our interventional pain management specialists can help. Make an appointment today for an evaluation and treatment options.
