Migraine Specialist Treatment Therapy
Migraine headaches are among the most prevalent and debilitating illnesses in modern times, leading to 1.2 million emergency room visits annually and impacting 39 million Americans.
Untreated migraines can become chronic, leading to intense pain, nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light, sound and odors. Furthermore, you may experience feelings of being overwhelmed or stressed out during these episodes.
According to the severity and frequency of your migraines, you may require medication for relief. Some medicines can be taken orally while others require injections in your head and neck for immediate effect.
Medication for acute migraines works best if taken early on during the attack, when its concentration in your blood is highest. Preventative medications (like aspirin, indomethacin or diclofenac potassium) taken in the beginning stages can help stop headaches before they start and reduce its intensity.
Oral or topical medication can also be prescribed to alleviate pain, reduce nausea and vomiting. Common drugs used include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (like aspirin or ibuprofen), triptans and calcium glycerin tripeptide receptor antagonists like lasmiditan or zolmitriptan.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are an effective remedy for migraines that have not responded to other therapies. Licensed medical professionals administer the injections on multiple areas around your head and neck, such as trigger points or nerve blocks, providing temporary relief from migraines.
Injections provide long-lasting relief and reduce headache days. They may also lessen migraine severity as well as ease debilitating symptoms like sensitivity to light, noise or odors.
Lifestyle changes and stress management strategies can be effective in treating migraines. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and limiting caffeine all help to reduce headaches and make them easier to handle.
Maintaining a migraine diary and abstaining from certain foods, activities and situations can help you identify triggers for attacks. It also allows you to pinpoint when you are most vulnerable to getting one and develop strategies for managing them effectively.
Our doctors and neurologist-trained specialists offer a comprehensive approach to migraine treatment, including medication, biobehavioral techniques, physical and behavioral therapy. Our team works together to ensure your care incorporates the latest advancements in research and technology.
Ergotamine and ergot-containing drugs such as rizatriptan or dihydroergotamine are sometimes prescribed to alleviate the initial symptoms of a migraine. These medicines come in tablet, powder or suppositories form and have proven successful for many patients.
Other ergotamine preparations, such as oral or injectable ergot alkaloids (such as ephedrine), can be combined with other treatments for more comprehensive migraine control. This is especially pertinent for people suffering from chronic migraines who do not respond to other types of medication and require more comprehensive relief.
Neuromodulating drugs, such as injections of CGRP monoclonal antibodies, have also been found to be effective for migraine prevention and treatment in certain populations. They work by blocking CGRP’s activity within your brain.
Botulinum toxin injections are a non-invasive surgical option for treating migraines in select adults 18 and older who suffer from 15 or more migraine days per month. These injections target specific areas on the forehead, temples and back of head believed to be sources of migraine pain; usually requiring three or four treatments spread out over several weeks.