Migraine headaches are common, affecting 17% of women, and 8% of men. These
headaches are defined by several characteristics and have many types of treatment.
Migraine headaches are usually stronger on one side, have a slow throbbing character,
and are often associated with light or sound sensitivity and nausea or vomiting. During
attacks, people are often very sensitive to any stimulation, and often complain of their hair
even being sensitive to touch.

Individuals who suffer from migraines often have a positive family history of headaches,
and often are able to identify triggers that may precipitate an attack. Common triggers are

menstrual periods, alcohol, nuts, chocolate, and some cheeses. Stress, lack of sleep, and a change in sleep patterns such as with a time zone change can all cause migraines, as can seasonal or weather changes.

Imaging studies and examinations are typically normal in those suffering from migraines. The physician who treats you must spend time to elicit an accurate and detailed history, as most identifying characteristics are discovered here.

Treatments for headaches can consist of over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, or Excedrin. Many prescription medications are available that have the greatest effectiveness. Midrin, and ergotamines have been available for many years, and recently medications have been developed that specifically binds with the 5HT2 receptor in the brain that is felt to be the migraine switch. These medications are called “triptans” as a group as their generic name all ends in these syllables. Sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), almotriptan (Maxalt) are all examples. There are also several medications that can be used on a daily basis to prevent or decrease the frequency and severity of migraines. Beta blockers and amitriptyline have been around for many years, more recently valproic acid and topiramate have obtained FDA approval for this use. These last two medications are also used to treat seizure disorders, another condition where the brain appears to be over excitable.

People who suffer from migraines may have headaches every few months, or more than once a week. As you might expect, those with infrequent headaches are generally not interested in a daily medication, whereas those with headaches more than once a week are taking something so frequently, that a daily preventative medication is attractive. Many medications used for migraines can cause an increase of headaches, or transformation into chronic daily headaches if taken too frequently. Tylenol, Excedrin, triptans, and Midrin all have this characteristic. The staff at NervePro have many years of experience in treating this condition, and can help make a diagnosis and develop an individual plan of attack to manage this condition.