A migraine is a painful and sometimes debilitating neurological condition that affects an estimated 39 million Americans. If you have frequent migraines that interfere with your ability to take care of yourself, it may be time to consider your options for chronic migraine treatment.
At Integrated Neurology Services, we offer comprehensive migraine care, including diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Our board-certified neurologists use advanced therapies to address acute and chronic migraines, focusing on treating existing migraine symptoms and preventing recurrent migraine attacks.
A migraine is a primary headache that typically causes persistent, throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain can be intense enough to trigger bouts of nausea and vomiting. You may also experience:
The root cause of migraines isn’t clear, but evidence suggests that changes in brain chemicals play a role in migraine episodes. There are also known factors that can trigger the onset of migraine symptoms, including hormone changes, stress, poor sleep quality, and certain foods.
Chronic migraines describe long-lasting or recurrent attacks of head pain. Typically, a diagnosis of chronic migraines occurs if you experience 15 or more migraine headaches in one month for at least three months.
However, because symptoms change from one hour to the next during a migraine attack, it can be difficult to tell when one headache ends and another starts.
Chronic migraines are less common than acute migraines and are more likely to occur in females. The symptoms are similar to those involved in acute migraines, but they occur more frequently and last longer.
Our neurologists diagnose chronic migraines by evaluating your symptoms and the frequency of attacks. They may also order diagnostic tests to confirm chronic migraines and rule out other medical conditions. Additionally, the team works closely with you to identify potential migraine triggers.
Managing chronic migraines often involves rescue medications to treat active migraine symptoms and preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of additional migraine attacks.
Medications can include anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, or anti-seizure medicines. We also offer VYEPTI®, a migraine prevention medication. If your chronic migraines aren’t responding to these therapies, our specialists discuss your options for minimally invasive nerve blocks.
Another preventive treatment for chronic migraines that may be effective for you is Botox® therapy. This injectable medication temporarily paralyzes muscles in the head and neck that contribute to migraine pain. Treatment also blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain signaling between the nerves and brain.
Your provider might recommend lifestyle and diet changes to manage acute and chronic migraine symptoms. They also provide guidance to help you better manage stress and avoid certain foods and other migraine triggers.
Call Integrated Neurology Services today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for chronic migraines. You can also request an appointment online at one of our locations in Lorton, Alexandria, and Falls Church, Virginia.
