Migraine Specialist

Is This Headache a Migraine?

Migraine is a headache which involves several of these symptoms:  pulsating pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to bright lights or loud noise, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and sometimes other neurologic signs.  Some people have a visual aura a few minutes before the pain begins.  Other types of headaches can be as severe and debilitating, but tend to respond to different management.   Many people have more than one headache type.  A major goal of headache therapy in this practice is to help a patient recognize different headache types and patterns.

Why is My Headache Medication Not Working?

Common reasons for medication failure are:

1. waiting too long to take pain medication;
2. taking medications so often that they create a cycle of “rebound” headache;
3. taking the wrong medication for headache type;
4. an underlying disease is causing the headache.   

What Are Some Causes of Migraines or Other Headaches?

A person with migraines can benefit from recognizing and avoiding triggers, which may be foods such as nuts, chocolate, or red wine; sleep deprivation, hunger, hormonal changes, or exposure to wind.

Other headaches can be caused by sinus congestion, vision or dental problems, or arthritic changes in the upper spine. Conditions such as low blood sugar will cause headaches. After a concussion, headache is common. Headaches from high blood pressure must be addressed promptly.  A brain tumor, aneurysm, inflammatory disease or infection cause chronic headaches; in such cases, there are usually additional signs and symptoms.

How are Migraines Treated?

The principles of migraine treatment are:

1. correct diagnosis;
2. doctor and patient commitment to working together reduce headache frequency and severity;
3. medication to control a migraine at onset;
4. prevention.

There are many types of preventive medications, usually taken daily.  The second type of prevention is an FDA-approved protocol using Botox® injections.  When repeated regularly every 12 to 13 weeks Botox® is effective in most cases in making the headaches less frequent and less severe.