Migraines and Headaches
Migraines are a primary headache disorder that is known to cause intense throbbing in one particular area that can vary in intensity. Triggers for migraine can include hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, stress, and exercise. Attacks are often accompanied by one or more of the following disabling symptoms: visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face.
Fifty percent of migraine suffers don't even know they get them, or just think they are bad headaches. They are a neurological disease with extremely incapacitating neurological symptoms. In 15-20% of attacks, other neurological symptoms occur before the actual head pain. Attacks usually last between 4 and 72 hours.
Facts about Migraines and Headaches
• Migraines are 3 times more likely to affect women than men
• They are most common in 35-45-year-olds
• Medication overuse is a problem for people who suffer from a migraine
• Stress is one of the most common triggers
• They can be managed and respond well to consistent treatment plans
The Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine
- Both headaches and migraines cause pain, finding out the difference between them help to relieve pain through better treatments. It can also help prevent future headaches from occurring in the first place.
- A headache is caused by the contraction of muscles between the head and neck. Different types of headaches include cluster, sinus, and thunderclap headaches.
- A migraine, in comparison, tends to range from moderate to very severe throbbing pain at the front or the side of the head. Migraine symptoms may include pain behind the ear, nausea, temporary vision loss, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine Resource Guides
Are You at Risk for Chronic Migraines?
Is your migraine becoming more intense or frequent? With our guide, you will learn to define episodic and chronic migraine by intensity and frequency, recognize the symptoms that your migraine is progressing, and reduce the progression of your migraine.
Descarga Nuestra Guía “¿Está Usted en Riesgo de Sufrir Migraña Crónica?
La señal más obvia de que su migraña está progresando es que sus ataques de migraña son más frecuentes. Si usted nota un cambio en la frecuencia de sus migrañas, es hora de encontrar a un especialista en dolores de cabeza para explorar sus opciones.
What Type of Headache Do You Have?
There are over 100 different types of headaches, so pinpointing which one is ailing you can take some time, and probably a visit with a headache specialist. Use our guide to help narrow down the most common types of migraine.
Meal Planning
It’s not uncommon for migraine patients to notice that their symptoms correspond with certain food triggers. However, which foods or ingredients contribute to head pain varies widely from person to person. Our guide will help you examine your eating habits, maintain a balanced diet, and identify patterns that could help reduce migraine attacks.
Guide to Healthy Sleep
Your body needs rest, and getting a consistent, adequate amount of sleep provides the foundation for healthier living and potentially fewer and less intense migraine attacks. Download our free guide on healthy sleep to see how you can improve your sleep to better manage your migraine.
Caring for a Child with Migraine
Does your child have a migraine? Early diagnosis, open dialogue, and a specialized treatment plan can equip you and your child with the tools needed to best manage their migraine. Download our guide to learn how to identify the signs, maintain a productive dialogue, and practice good headache habits.
Treatment for Migraine
The first step to treating a migraine or a headache is to see a specialist who can help identify which kind of head pain you are experiencing.
If you or a loved one is suffering from migraines or headaches, contact a Neurologist at First Choice Neurology today. We have several locations throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Florida.