Migraines Specialist

What are migraines?

Migraines are a specific and severe category of headaches. A migraine is a neurological condition that causes more than just pain or pressure in the head; the symptoms can be diverse and affect multiple parts of your body. 

Most migraines last for a few hours, with four being the average length. However, some migraines can last for days at a time. Because the pain of a migraine is so debilitating, experiencing frequent migraines can significantly interfere with your life. 

An occasional migraine might not be much of an issue, but if you have chronic migraine headaches, long-term treatments can help. You may have chronic migraine if you experience 15 or more days per month with migraines. 

What are the most common symptoms of migraines?

Many people who get migraines initially experience symptoms one or two days before the migraine sets in. During this phase, the prodrome stage, you might get mild food cravings, fatigue, frequent yawning, or irritability. 

Before the migraine sets in, a phase called the aura might affect you. The aura phase comes with vision, sensation, and movement changes. 

With the next phase of the migraine — the attack phase — you might experience:

• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Nausea
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Throbbing head pain
• Vomiting

As the attack phase diminishes, you enter a final stage called the postdrome phase. This phase might include dramatic changes in mood as well as a dull, lingering headache. 

How are migraines treated?

Managing your migraines with help from the board-certified specialists at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., can reduce the overall number of migraines you experience. Your personalized care plan might include:

Oral medications

Oral medications for migraines include antidepressants as well as prescription and nonprescription pain relievers. 

Nerve blocking injections

Nerve blocking injections such as botulinum toxin, or Botox®, can be an effective, long-lasting intervention for chronic migraine. 

Lifestyle changes

Many people with migraines can identify triggers that cause the headaches or make them worse. By identifying and avoiding your triggers, you can limit the number of migraines you get. 

If you have migraines and would like to explore treatment options, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or book an appointment online today.