Migraines: what you need to know

Even though nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, the National Headache Foundation reports that less than half of migraine sufferers have been diagnosed by a medical provider. Moreover, these throbbing pains are often misdiagnosed as either a sinus headache or tension headache. Bayhealth Primary Care, Eden Hill Internal Medicine Physician Zulehuma Rather, MD, says it’s important to know the following when determining whether you’re suffering from a migraine.

SIGNS OF A MIGRAINE INCLUDE:

• Pain in the face or neck
• A throbbing headache that is severe in nature and frequent
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Distracted vision or flashes of light
• Irritability
• Scalp tenderness

TRIGGERS OF MIGRAINES INCLUDE:

• Foods such as aged cheese, ice cream, and those with additives
• Stress
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Medications
• Bright lights
• Smells

THERE ARE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN TREAT MIGRAINES, INCLUDING:

• Avoid triggers
• Improve upon stress levels, sleep cycles, and diet
• Take medications prescribed by your physician
• Try muscle relaxation therapies and acupuncture
• Take preventive medications such as beta blockers, antidepressants, seizure medications, and Botox®

YOU SHOULD CALL A DOCTOR IF:

• You have three or more headaches per week
• The headache gets worse or won’t go away
• You are taking pain pills on a daily basis
• The pain interferes with your daily activities
• There is a change in the nature, intensity, or frequency of the headaches

A MIGRAINE DIAGNOSIS TYPICALLY COMES AFTER A PHYSICIAN HAS LOOKED AT A PATIENT’S:

• Symptoms
• Medical history
• Neurological examination

“One thing I want patients to know is that they have to take charge and responsibility if they suffer from migraines,” Dr. Rather said. “Keep a migraine diary to figure out the pattern. This helps doctors to confirm diagnosis, identify triggers, and assess a treatment response. There are also mobile applications available to help patients with this.”

If you believe you suffer from migraines and are in need of a Bayhealth physician, visit Bayhealth's Find a Physician page or call 1-866-BAY-DOCS.