Migraines are common neurological conditions that cause pulsing headaches on one side of your head. The duration and intensity of a migraine can depend on several factors, including how the event was triggered. Extreme migraines can lead to pain, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. Recurring migraines, as well as migraines that have long durations, should be evaluated by a neurologist. Speak with a Bayhealth expert about migraines.
Migraine Stages and Symptoms
Migraines commonly occur in four stages.
- Prodrome: The first stage begins in the days or hours leading up to a migraine. Subtle physical and emotional symptoms may develop during this period, including mood changes, constipation, neck stiffness, fluid retention or frequent yawning.
- Aura: Before a migraine fully develops, you may experience such sensory disturbances as dizziness or ringing in your ears (tinnitus). Known as migraine aura, this stage can also cause visual disturbances, including dots, sparks or zigzags in your vision.
- Headache: Migraines are well known for the headaches they cause, including symptoms such as throbbing pain, light sensitivity and fatigue. While some headaches last for only a few hours, others can last for more than a day.
- Postdrome: Because migraine headaches can be so intense, they often result in periods of physical weakness and brain fog. Known as a “migraine hangover,” the best way to address postdrome is to prioritize rest, sleep and hydration.
Risk Factors and Prevention
The following factors may increase your risk of developing migraines.
- Family History: Having a family member with chronic migraines could heighten your risk of developing them yourself.
- Sex: Women are three times more likely to have migraines compared to men.
- Hormonal Changes: Migraines commonly develop around a female’s first menstrual period. They are also common during pregnancy and menopause.
Migraine triggers include stress, sleep changes, overexertion and addictive substances such tobacco and caffeine. Bright lights and loud noises can also trigger migraines.
How We Diagnose Migraines
Our experts may use the following procedures to determine the cause of your migraines.
- Blood Work: A blood test may rule out conditions known to cause migraines.
- Computerized Tomography (CT): Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your head in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): An EEG measures the electrical activity in your brain, allowing our experts to identify abnormal patterns that may relate to migraines.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of your brain.
Treatment Options
Treating migraines often depends on treating the condition causing them. Once our experts determine the source of your migraines, they outline an individualized treatment plan that addresses the underlying condition while managing your symptoms. In situations where no underlying causes are known, our neurologists may prescribe medication.
- Prevention: If migraine headaches are making it difficult to complete daily tasks, our experts may prescribe preventative medications. Taken regularly, preventative medications may reduce the frequency or intensity of migraines.
- Pain Relief: Our experts also prescribe medications to treat the active symptoms of migraines. A range of oral drugs and nasal sprays (such as lasmiditan, dihydroergotamine and triptans) can reduce the effects of migraines as they occur.
Schedule an appointment to talk about your migraine headaches, or learn more about conditions treated by our neurology experts.