MIGRAINES

Migraines can cause severe, debilitating pain and other symptoms that disrupt everyday life. At Re Innovative Neuroscience Institute, you can find relief.

As leaders in their field, our team has access to the most advanced, effective treatments and use their decades of experience to help patients achieve long-term relief.

If you are struggling with migraines, call the office at (941) 893-2688 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT IS IT?

A migraine is a commonly recurring headache that causes moderate to severe pain. This pain occurs as a throb or pulse and may be located on only one side of the head.

Other symptoms include:

Light sensitivity
Sound sensitivity
Nausea
General weakness

Migraine attacks can last hours or even days, disabling you from any normal functions. These attacks may have warning signs, called an aura, before they begin. The aura may include seeing flashes of light, having blind spots in your vision, or numbness and tingling on your face, arm, or leg.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Scientists and physicians do not understand the causes of migraines, but they are believed to come from multiple factors such as genetics and environment.

Possible explanations include alterations in the communication between the brain stem and the trigeminal nerve (a pain signal “highway”) or an imbalance in brain-signaling chemicals such as serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Beyond the causes that underlie increased susceptibility to migraines, there are many triggers that vary patient-by-patient and may initiate migraine onset alone or in combination with other factors.

These include:

Stress
Specific sensory stimuli such as bright lights or strong smells
Hormonal fluctuation in women such as changes in estrogen associated with menstruation
Specific foods and fasting
Certain caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
Insomnia, oversleeping, or jet lag

Triggers may be specific to each individual or could hinge on the surrounding environment. Triggers may change over time.

HOW CAN IT BE TREATED?

Migraines are diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and a neurological exam. To rule out other possible causes, our providers may use imaging such as MRI or CT scans, blood tests to look for infections and toxins, or a spinal tap to assess infection or brain bleeding.

Once a migraine begins, a dark, quiet room and pain relief drugs can minimize the discomfort, but if you are regularly suffering from debilitating migraines, the Re team may suggest preventive treatment.

Successful prevention has come from many drug classes including beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and pain relievers. However, Botox® is the first FDA-approved preventive therapy for chronic migraines. Regular injections to the forehead and neck with Botox® prevents migraines before they even start.

If you are suffering from migraines, schedule an appointment by calling the office at (941) 893-2688.

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