JUNE IS MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH

A migraine headache is characterized by a throbbing or pulsating painful sensation in the head, often but not always one sided, with associated sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, and sometimes preceding changes in vision.

Migraines affect more than 10% of people worldwide, with about three times more women affected than men. A migraine headache can be very disabling for a person to have. The underlying problems with migraine type headaches are inflammation AND dilation of blood vessels surrounding, and in the brain. There are many triggers, such as foods, caffeine withdrawal, hormone changes (menstruation), sleep deprivation, and even stress.

Migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of missed work days, impaired job productivity, and poor school/work performance. Headaches can contribute to memory trouble, depression and anxiety, and poor sleep among other things.

There are MANY treatments available for migraine sufferers. There are preventative medications (such as Topamax or Inderal), abortive/acute treatments (such as Imitrexor Cambia), and non-medication based treatments (biofeedback, exercise). There is even evidence that Botox injections can help treat chronic migraines, for those who have 16 or more migraine “headache days” per month.

If you, or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches, and current treatments do not allow you to return to normal function (work, school, normal activities) within an hour or so, please talk to your physician. Anyone suffering with “Chronic” migraines should ask your physician about seeing a neurologist today!

Posted by: 

John Baker, MD