Migraines cause pulsing head pain and a host of other disabling symptoms in about 10% of the population worldwide. The board-certified neurologists at Integrated Neurology Services offer advanced migraine therapies at their four Northern Virginia locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, as well as serving the Vienna, VA community. Call your nearest office or book an appointment online today to find lasting relief from migraines.
People often refer to a migraine as a headache, but it’s actually much more disruptive. Migraines cause severe, throbbing head pain that usually occurs with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can last up to three days if left untreated and may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Migraines differ from tension headaches in many ways. While a tension headache usually causes pain on both sides of the head, a migraine is more severe and often only affects one side. Other common symptoms of a migraine include:
Some people go through different stages of migraine symptoms, called the prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome phases. These phases may include a variety of other symptoms, such as mood changes, uncontrollable jerking movements, and visual disturbances.
More research is needed to understand what causes some people to get migraines, but genetics may play a role. Migraine attacks may result from particular triggers, including:
Each person has unique migraine triggers. Avoiding known triggers may help prevent migraine attacks.
First, your Integrated Neurology Services provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical and neurological exam. They may take tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your head pain, such as a brain tumor.
There are two main types of migraine medications: prevention and rescue medications. Rescue medications relieve pain when you take them at the first sign of a migraine. If you have frequent migraines, your provider may recommend a preventive medication.
If medication management doesn't work for you, the team at Integrated Neurology Services may recommend a more advanced migraine therapy, such as:
For personalized treatment of migraines, call Integrated Neurology Services, or book an appointment online today.