What causes migraine?
Suffering from migraine is a chronic neurological condition leading to life-altering head pain and body-wide symptoms. When you have a migraine attack, your brainstem interacts with your pain pathway (trigeminal nerve) in an abnormal manner, or you develop an imbalance in brain chemicals that regulate pain (such as serotonin).
While migraine isn’t well understood, medical researchers find that the following factors can cause or increase your risk:
- Certain drinks, including alcohol and caffeinated beverages
- Hormonal fluctuations, which are common during pregnancy
- Changes in weather or barometric pressure
- Medications, including oral contraceptives
- Changes in your sleep patterns
- Family history of migraine
- Intense exercise
You may even be struggling with migraine because of stress, but no matter what’s causing your migraine, it isn’t something you should ignore.
When should I see a doctor for migraine?
The compassionate team at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic can help you whether you have an occasional migraine attack, or chronic migraine issues that are starting to lower your quality of life.
A day or two before a migraine begins, you may experience subtle changes in your body, such as constipation, mood swings, or increased urination. This is the “prodrome” stage. You may want to schedule an appointment at the clinic if you have a history of migraine and are experiencing these symptoms.
As your migraine attack approaches or during your attack, you may notice any of the following symptoms that warrant medical attention:
- Aura, which can include visual disturbances and tingling in your extremities
- Throbbing or aching pains on one or both sides of your head
- Sensitivity to sounds, light, and smells
- Nausea or vomiting
Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic can treat your current migraine attack and help you find solutions to prevent ongoing issues.
Can I get treatment for migraine?
Absolutely. Migraine can lower your quality of life, so the team at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic works diligently to find just the right treatment solutions. Your migraine treatment plan may include:
- Migraine preventive pills, nasal sprays or shots, such as triptans
- Fast-acting pain-relieving medications
- Antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs
- Anti-nausea drugs
Your dedicated physician at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic also coaches you about preventive measures and how to avoid triggers, so you can reduce migraine recurrence, duration, or intensity in the future.
Before living another day with migraine pain, get started on treatment at Primary Care Walk - In Medical Clinic. Book your migraine evaluation online or over the phone with either office.
