A migraine is classified as a severe, painful headache that can cause pain for hours, even days. This common health condition affects approximately 36 million Americans. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® can help patients living in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area find the proper migraine relief for the troublesome, often debilitating migraine symptoms.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is an intense, sometimes debilitating headache that causes intense throbbing in one area of the head, as well as sensitivity to light and sounds, nausea and vomiting. Many individuals will chose to find a dark, quiet spot to help aid migraine relief.
The exact cause of a migraine is unknown. Many health professionals believe they are caused by abnormal brain activity, leading to an alteration in nerve signals, chemicals and blood flow in the brain. Certain migraines are accompanied by sensory warning symptoms such as tingling in the limbs, blind spots and flashes of light. These warning symptoms are referred to as an aura, or classical migraine. Migraines without aura are referred to as common migraines.
What are Common Migraine Symptoms?
Migraines affect women in more cases than men, and begin in childhood or early adulthood in many cases. A migraine may progress through four stages, each with a different set of migraine symptoms. These stages include:
- Prodrome: Stage occurs a day or two before the migraine. Symptoms include neck stiffness, hyperactivity, depression and constipation.
- Aura: Stage occurs before or during the migraine. Symptoms include seeing shapes, flashes of light, vision loss and a “pins and needles” sensation in the limbs.
- Attack: Stage occurs during the migraine and can last up to 72 hours if left untreated. Symptoms include pain on one side of the head, throbbing pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds and nausea.
- Postdrome: Stage occurs after a migraine attack. Symptoms include a drained feeling, but mildly euphoric.
What are the Options for Migraine Relief?
If a patient experiences consistent, debilitating migraine attacks, it is recommended they visit a physician to find migraine relief. A migraine may be difficult to diagnose since there are no set tests for a diagnosis. It is recommended that patients keep a diary of migraine symptoms, including onset of symptoms, triggers, aura symptoms, etc.
There is currently no cure for a migraine. Treatment is aimed at preventing a migraine attack and providing migraine relief at the onset of symptoms. Physicians commonly recommend taking medications specifically designed for migraines, reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in regular exercise.
If you are experiencing migraine symptoms or a full-blown migraine attack, please contact the pain physicians at OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine®. They are available to help patients living in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area find migraine relief.