Migraine Headache

Headaches are a common ailment that many individuals experience regularly. However, migraines are a distinct type of headache characterized by a recurrent, throbbing pain that typically affects one side of the head and may also cause nausea and disturbances in vision. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the third most prevalent illness globally.

Migraines can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. Certain things can trigger a migraine attack such as hormonal changes in women, certain drinks, stress, and changes in sleep patterns. At Monarch Pain Management, our goal is to find the treatment that works for you to help provide you with more pain-free days and an improved quality of life.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

In addition to debilitating pain, migraines can lead to a host of symptoms such as:

• Visual disturbances
• Sensitivity to various stimuli such as light and sound
• Nausea
• Numbness in the face

These symptoms can be particularly debilitating for those who experience migraines regularly, often disrupting daily activities and even nighttime rest. Some individuals may even experience migraines for prolonged periods, lasting for weeks at a time. Other common signs of migraines include:

• Prodrome: Some people may experience symptoms a day or two before migraines, known as a “prodrome.” This can include things like constipation, food cravings, increased urination, frequent yawning, fluid retention, neck stiffness, and mood changes.
• Aura: Some people may also experience “aura” symptoms before or during migraines. These are reversible symptoms of the nervous system and can include things like vision loss, weakness on one side of the body, visual phenomena like seeing shapes or flashes of light, pins and needles sensations in the limbs, and difficulty speaking. Auras usually last up to 60 minutes.
• Attack: A migraine attack can last anywhere from 4-72 hours if not treated. This can vary from person to person. During an attack, you may experience symptoms like a throbbing or pulsing headache, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sound, light, smell, and touch, and ache on one side of the head (or sometimes on both sides).
• Post-drome: Once a migraine attack is over, you may feel drained, washed out, and confused. Some people may also feel elated. This is known as the “post-drome” stage.
  

Treatments for Migraine Headaches

At Monarch Pain Management, we work with you on integrating certain lifestyle modifications that can help decrease migraine headaches including dietary changes, improving sleep, and incorporating moderate exercise. We tailor your treatment plan to your individual symptoms to help effectively manage and prevent migraine headaches. Therapies may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin to manage your migraine pain. 
• Preventative medicines for more severe migraines taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine headaches.
• Abortive medicines to terminate the symptoms of a migraine headache
• Botox injections to help with muscle spasms and pain.
• Acupuncture

Get Lasting Relief From Migraines Today

We understand that migraine headaches can be debilitating and affect your work, home life, and activities. Seeking help from Dr. Przybysz at Monarch Pain Management, who is member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists, is your first step to conquering your migraine pain. We’ll work with you and your other healthcare providers to ensure a proper diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan that is right for you.

Connect with us now to book an appointment and begin reclaiming your life with less pain.