Migraine treatment is a lifeline for people with this often debilitating condition. Migraines are a neurological condition that temporarily derails your ability to function at work or in life. However, with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medications, the frequency and severity of migraines are reduced so sufferers can return to enjoying life.
Migraines have distinct characteristics that distinguish them from bad headaches. Here is a quick overview of the defining traits of migraines.
If someone has migraines, they typically begin to experience them starting in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Also, migraines have a genetic component as they tend to run in families. In addition, they are also episodic and usually triggered by something such as hormone changes, stress, weather, or sensory stimuli.
An episode can last anywhere from several hours to a few days. The pain is characterized by pounding or throbbing, usually worse on one side of the head. This pain may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, numbness, and chills. Some sufferers report experiencing what is known as an aura before the headache. This aura can cause light flashes or blind spots and other sensory disturbances.
Migraine treatment is often a three-pronged approach. Through lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers and medications, patients can find relief from migraine intensity and enjoy more migraine-free days.
Avoiding triggers is key and often the first step in migraine treatment. It typically involves monitoring and lifestyle changes on the part of the patient. The patient watches for triggers, including foods, sounds, and smells. The most common migraine triggers are stress, lack of sleep, skipping meals, and dehydration. Patients are encouraged to keep a headache diary and write down the date and time they felt the migraine coming on and what they were doing or experiencing at the time. This should help the patient quickly identify their triggers and avoid them.
Doctors prescribe several prescription medications to help patients prevent the onset of migraines. These can include pills taken daily or injections from a doctor. For example, Botox® injections every 12 weeks have been known to prevent migraines in some adults. Other medications include anti-seizure drugs, medication to lower blood pressure, antidepressants, and other medications specifically designed to treat migraines. Like all prescription medications, the provider works with the patient to find the right type and dose.
Drugs used to treat breakthrough migraines are often called abortive treatments. Sometimes, migraine pain can be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Prescription drugs used for the abortive migraine treatment may include:
Most of these drugs work best if the patient takes them at the first signs of an oncoming migraine. As with the preventative migraine treatments, the doctor will help the patient identify the safest and most effective medication for their condition and health situation.
We help migraine sufferers find relief and get back to feeling like themselves. Here at Janey L Hammons NP-C, we can help you find the right combination of treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Call our team today to learn more specifics on migraine treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.janeylhammonsnpc.com or call Janey L Hammons NP-C at (580) 922-4406 for an appointment in our Seiling office.
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