A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pursuing sensation on the side of your head. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or days and they may interfere with your daily activities.
While there’s no cure for migraines, your doctor works closely with you to ease existing migraine pain and prevent the recurrence of your headaches. Your doctor can work with you to figure out a plan that works well for you.
Some treatment options include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. For some people, this may not be enough. If you have chronic migraines that occur more than 15 times a month, your doctor can determine if Botox is right for you. Botox is a perception injectable medication that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that contribute to migraine pain. Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents the activation of pain networks in the brain. Another option for treating migraines is an occipital nerve block. This treatment involves injections of a corticosteroid and anesthetic medication into the occipital nerve, which provides sensations to the back and the top of your head.
Take a break: If you feel overwhelmed take a few minutes to take time for yourself. It can be playing a game or even getting coffee with a friend.
Find a time to incorporate physical activity into your schedule. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that can help reduce anxiety and depression - anxiety and depression can make migraines worse in some cases. Walking, swimming or cycling are good choices to prevent migraines.
Create a consistent sleep schedule. Wake up at the same time every day and go to sleep at the same time every day. If you feel like you need a nap, keep it short. Naps longer than 20-30 minutes may interfere with sleep at night. Migraines can be offers triggered by a poor night’s sleep.
If you experience painful or recurrent migraine headaches, you can find help at A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry. Call the office today to schedule an appointment or use the online booking system to request a migraine evaluation.
