Migraine Pain 101 - Pain Management Near Asheville NC
Headaches are reported to affect nearly 75% of the world’s population between the ages of 18-65. Of that number, 30% of those headaches are migraines. While there is currently no known cure for migraines, science has discovered quite a few ways to successfully manage their impact on a person’s quality of life and overall health.
Today your experts in pain management near Asheville NC – the Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas – will walk you through the specifics of migraine pain as well as known management techniques.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a specific type of headache. Currently, the specific cause of migraines is unknown. However, it’s believed to involve irregular changes in certain brain substances. It’s also been discovered to have a genetic component, which means it may be hereditary. The most common symptoms include:
Intense, throbbing pain
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Nausea
Vomiting
There are typically four stages to a migraine, known as prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome.
Prodrome: 1-2 days before the migraine headache. Commonly reported symptoms include constipation, frequent yawning, increased urination, and food cravings.
Aura: Mostly vision-related reversable symptoms that occur slightly before or alongside the onset of the migraine attack. This phase includes seeing spots or flashes of light as well as potentially experiencing vision loss.
Attack: This is what people most commonly refer to as a migraine. The pain can occur in one or both sides of the head and will last anywhere from four to 72 hours.
Post-drome: The post-attack phase includes feelings of exhaustion, confusion or even elation.
For more details, visit our page dedicated exclusively to migraines.
What Triggers a Migraine?
Migraines are triggered by a wide variety of factors. These factors can vary from person to person, just as the symptoms themselves. However, experts have noted many of the more commonly reported triggers.
Stress
Sensory stimulation (bright lights, strong smells, loud noises)
Weather/environmental changes
Hormone changes
Skipping meals
Certain medications (oral contraceptives and nitroglycerin)
Alcohol
Additives in food/drink
Migraine Treatments
As with any chronic pain, the best results are typically achieved by working with a comprehensive pain treatment care team. Since there are no known permanent cures for migraines, migraine treatments are geared towards giving migraine sufferers more control over their symptoms and triggers.
Lifestyle adjustments have been known to offer significant relief. These would include getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating at regular intervals in the day and avoiding triggers. There are also a variety of pharmaceutical aids that may offer relief. Your care team may recommend a combination of over the counter (OTC) or prescription medication along with complementary or alternative medication.
Pain Management Near Asheville NC
If you or someone you love has been experiencing any of the symptoms above or has been diagnosed with migraines, give us a call today! Our migraine experts will take the time to patiently listen to your concerns and offer you a thorough analysis and treatment plan.
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
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