Migraine Headache Triggers and Treatments
While the cause of migraines is unknown, relief from the pain is possible. Triggers can be identified to help you control the frequency and severity of your migraines. Migraines can also be preceded by an aura sensory which can warn an individual when a migraine is about to occur.
Migraines have a very broad range of symptoms and pain levels and are very common amongst Americans. They are different from headaches which tend to be less severe. Migraines will usually include additional symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or nausea.
Migraine Triggers
It’s highly beneficial for migraine sufferers to keep a log of their migraine experiences. Details from what was eaten that day to the activities taken part in will help to identify any patterns. From certain foods to weather changes, a daily record will help with better managing your migraines or prevent them from occurring.
Common Triggers:
- Ripened cheeses
- Chocolate
- Food containing nitrates or MSG
- Excessive amounts of caffeine
- Alcohol
- Mensuration
- Perfumes
- Flickering lights
- Stress
There are several different types of migraines all which are accompanied by unique symptoms.
Types of Migraines:
- Chronic Migraines – Migraines that happen 15 or more days a month for more than 3 months
- Basilar Migraines – Basilar headaches typically include visual symptoms like spinning or dizziness
- Hemiplegic Migraines – May cause temporary weakness on one side of the body and can lead to a fever, numbness, seizures, or speech impediment
- Retinal (Ocular) Migraines – A rare type of migraine which causes an individual to lose part of their vision in one eye accompanied by a head pain
- Vestibular – A type of migraine which can cause vertigo like symptoms lasting from minutes to hours
- Menstrual – Usually occurs between 2 days before through 3 days after a woman’s period.
Prevention & Treatment Options for Migraines
There are several medications used by migraine sufferers which help to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. From beta and channel blockers to antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs, patients experience relief from preventative medications yet continue to seek alternative treatment options. Patients often fear having to rely on medications their entire life or developing undesirable side effects. Individuals also risk getting rebound headaches from taking too many anti-inflammatory medications.
Other treatments options include:
- Triptans
- Ergots
- Opiods
While there are a number of over-the-counter pain relievers like Aspirin or Ibuprofen and prescription drugs to help reduce or prevent the pain from a migraine, they may not completely relieve a migraine.
The Milwaukee Pain Clinic has a variety of effective migraine treatment options available which are highly effective, affordable and safe. If you experience headaches or migraines, don’t suffer another day and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Pollack online now. Dr. Pollack will discuss all treatments options and together you can decide which is right for you.
Migraine Treatment Options:
- Neural Therapy for Migraines – Gently stimulates healing by repairing dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system
- Botox Injections – Are administered at intervals of around 12 weeks and injected around the head and neck acting as a relaxant; found as a very effective treatment option for preventing migraines
- Prolotherapy – Effective for all kinds of headaches and migraines alleviating not only the pain but the root of the cause