Migraines Q & A

Are migraines the same as headaches?

 

All migraines are headaches, yes. But not all headaches are migraines. With migraine headaches, what you go through is different than the temporary pain of a more common tension headache. Migraines can be more intense, show warning signs days in advance, and can last for days.

 

 

What causes migraines?

While the exact cause of your migraines may not be known, they often stem from an imbalance in your brain chemicals or nerve pathways. For some, migraines come from a central nervous system disorder, or from an irregularity in your brain’s vascular system.

 

If you know you have a family history of migraines, you could be genetically predisposed to getting them. Because the exact cause can be hard to find, you might have to try several different treatments before finding the migraine relief you need.

 

 

Which treatments are available for migraines?

Before going to see your dedicated migraine specialist at Advanced Total Health Clinic, start keeping track of your migraines. Records of frequency, intensity, and time of day they occur, help your physician put together a treatment plan. Your migraine management plan may include:

 

• Trigger Point Therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Exercise
• Dietary supplements
• Mi-Rx protocol
• Nutrition counseling
• Scheduling sleep

 

Will I know when a migraine is coming?

Probably, yes. You notice that certain things happen in your body during the hours or days before your migraine actually starts. When a migraine is approaching, it’s common to have:

 

• Frequent yawning
• Irregularity or constipation
• Extreme mood changes
• Uncontrollable food cravings
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Neck or back stiffness
• Vision changes

 

Do migraines have different stages?

Generally, yes. Aside from the initial warning stages, many migraines start with an aura. You see flashes of light, odd shapes, or zig zags in your vision. Some migraine sufferers even complain of temporary vision loss.

 

When your migraine attack is in full force, you have pulsing or throbbing pain in your head — on one side or both. It’s also common to feel nauseous, vomit, experience sensitivity to sounds or smells, have blurred vision, or lightheadedness.

 

Towards the end, known as “post-dome,” you might be confused for a short period of time. As you come out of your migraine attack, it’s normal to feel dizzy, moody, and weak. You could be sensitive to lights, smells, and sounds for a while after a severe attack.

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