Migraine Treatment

Perhaps you have just started to feel a throbbing, debilitating pain that is unlike any headache you have had before, and you are concerned. What should you do?

Migraines are very common. However, there are some treatments available to bring you relief.

At Virgin Islands Neurology, we have helped many understand their migraine diagnosis, provided treatment, and showed them how to avoid their triggers. We can do the same for you! Schedule an appointment at our U.S. Virgin Islands office today!

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a common neurological disease that can cause debilitating throbbing and pulsing headaches on one side of your head. They can last for hours, sometimes even days. Migraines can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light.

Headaches can be divided into two categories:

Primary headaches (A migraine is a primary headache)
Secondary headaches

Types of Migraine Headaches

Below you will find a list of some of the most common types of migraine headaches.

Migraine with aura: This type of migraine gives you a warning at the onset of a migraine. You may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Migraine without aura: This type of migraine headache strikes suddenly without warning.
Migraine without head pain: The “Silent migraine” or “acephalgic migraine” includes the aura symptom without the headache.
Hemiplegic migraine: With this type of migraine, you’ll experience temporary paralysis (hemiplegia) or neurological or sensory changes on one side of your body. It may or may not include head pain.
Retinal migraine (ocular migraine): You may experience a temporary, partial, or complete loss of vision in one of your eyes, coupled with a dull ache behind the eye that may expand to the rest of your head.
Chronic migraine: This occurs when a migraine occurs at least 15 days per month.
Migraine with brainstem aura: You’ll have vertigo, slurred speech, loss of balance, or double vision before your headache begins.
Status migrainosus: This is a rare and severe type of migraine that can be brought on by certain medications or medication withdrawal. It lasts longer than 72 hours, and the headache pain, and nausea can be extremely intense.

Migraine Symptoms

The primary symptom of a migraine is a headache.

There are four different phases of migraines with varying symptoms. Keep in mind you may not always go through every phase each time you have a migraine. These phases and symptoms are as follows:

Prodrome — This phase can start up to 24 hours before you get a migraine. You have early signs and symptoms, such as unexplained mood changes, fluid retention, food cravings, and increased urination.
Aura — During this phase, you may see flashing, bright lights, or zig-zag lines. You may have muscle weakness. An aura can occur just before a migraine.
Migraine attack — A migraine usually starts gradually and then grows in intensity. It typically causes throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of your head. Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to light, odors, and noise
- Dizziness
Postdrome — After your migraine, you may feel exhausted, weak, and confused for up to a day.

Migraine Causes

The cause of migraine headaches is complicated and not fully understood. However, genetics and your environment can play a role.

Migraine Triggers

Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors. Common triggers include:

Emotional stress (whether good or bad)
Skipping a meal
Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives found in certain foods
Excess caffeine or caffeine withdrawals
The use of pain-relieving medications daily
Hormonal changes
Various forms of light

Other possible triggers could include:

Changing weather conditions
Being overly tired
Dehydration
Changes in your regular sleep pattern
Loud noises
Exposure to smoke, perfumes, or other odors
Certain medications

Migraine Headache Treatment

While migraine headaches cannot be cured, the good news is that they can be managed. Specialists use two main treatment approaches, which include the use of medications. They are as follows:

Abortive (acute treatment of migraine) medications are most effective when you use them at the first sign of a migraine headache pain. Abortive medications can help stop or decrease symptoms, including pain, nausea, light sensitivity, etc.
Preventive (prophylactic) medications reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches and are prescribed if you have migraines more than four times a month.

What Medications Can Be Used to Relieve Migraines?

For some who have mild to moderate migraines, over-the-counter medications have been effective in helping them find relief. There are three over-the-counter products that have been approved by the FDA for migraine headaches, and they are as follows:

Excedrin® Migraine
Motrin® Migraine Pain
Advil® Migraine

Prescription drugs may also be prescribed for migraine headaches and include:

CGRP blockers
Triptan class of drugs
Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
Antidepressants
Antiseizure drugs

Other medications that can help relieve migraine discomfort include:

Steroids
Corticosteroids
CGRP blocker injections
NSAID injections

Preventive Treatment for Migraines

You can take active steps that may help reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines. These steps include:

Keep a migraine diary to record any foods, and other triggers that you think may have caused you to develop a migraine. Avoid those triggers as much as possible.
Get adequate rest.
Don't skip meals.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly.
Learn stress control techniques.
Take medications as directed by your specialist.

Schedule an appointment with Virgin Islands Neurology today for migraine treatment. Our expert doctors in the U.S. Virgin Islands specialize in headache disorders. So, whether you have an episodic migraine or acute migraine headaches, we can help!

Migraine Treatment

What Is a Migraine?

Types of Migraine Headaches

Migraine Symptoms

Migraine Causes

Migraine Triggers

Migraine Headache Treatment

What Medications Can Be Used to Relieve Migraines?

Preventive Treatment for Migraines

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