We’re pleased to announce that Pain Physicians of Wisconsin is now Pro Spine Pain.
We’re pleased to announce that Pain Physicians of Wisconsin is now Pro Spine Pain.
A migraine is a debilitating head pain causing severe throbbing or pulsing. Migraines can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vomiting. Between migraine attacks, symptoms disappear completely.
Migraines are common; about 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 12 men develop migraines at some point in their lives. It most commonly starts in childhood or as a young adult. Some people have frequent attacks – sometimes several a week. Others have attacks only now and then. Some people may go for years between attacks. In some people, the migraine attacks stop in later adult life. However, in some cases the attacks continue throughout life.
There are two main types of a migraine attack: the common migraine, or the migraine attack without aura, and the migraine attack with aura.
It’s common for migraine pain to be located at the front or side of the head, but sometimes it can even affect both sides. A migraine may start on one side and then spread throughout your head. The pain is usually moderate to severe, often described as throbbing or pulsating. You may notice that movement of your head can intensify the pain. Migraines tend to start in the morning, but they can occur at any time. They will typically worsen gradually and reach their peak after 2-12 before subsiding. However, it’s important to note that migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
A migraine attack with aura, also known as a classic migraine, affects 1 in 4 individuals with migraines. While the symptoms are similar to those of migraines without aura, they also include an intriguing warning sign, known as an aura, that precedes the onset of the headache.
The most common type of aura is visual, where you may temporarily experience a loss of vision in certain areas, see flashes of light, or perceive objects as rotating, shaking, or boiling. The second most common type is numbness and a pins and needles feeling, starting in the hand and traveling up the arm, eventually affecting the face, lips, tongue, and sometimes even the leg. The third most common type is problems with speech. Additionally, other types of aura may manifest as an odd smell, food cravings, a heightened sense of well-being, or other peculiar sensations.
During a migraine attack, you may experience one of the above auras or several in succession. Each aura typically lasts just a few minutes, but can occasionally endure up to 60 minutes. Interestingly, the aura usually dissipates before migraine strats. However, it often develops within 60 minutes of the aura’s conclusion, and at times, it may occur immediately afterwards.
The exact cause of migraines remains elusive, but scientists believe a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors are likely culprits.
One area of investigation focuses on the brainstem and its connection to the trigeminal nerve, a key pathway involved in pain perception. Imbalances in brain chemicals might also play a role. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for regulating pain, is being studied for its potential link to migraines.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), another neurotransmitter believed to be involved in migraine pain.
For migraine sufferers, a healthcare provider can diagnose migraines based on their medical background, reported symptoms, and a thorough physical and neurological exam.
However, in cases where migraines are unusual, complex, or experience a sudden increase in severity, further tests might be necessary to rule out other potential causes.
These tests may include:
While there’s no permanent solution for migraines, healthcare professionals can equip you with strategies to manage your symptoms effectively.
These strategies may include:
Certain medications can be taken at the onset of a migraine to halt or lessen its symptoms, including pain, nausea, and sensitivity. These medications, often referred to as abortive medications, target specific mechanisms within the brain to disrupt the migraine cycle. Triptans are a popular class of abortive medications that work by influencing blood flow in the brain and how pain signals are processed.
For individuals with frequent or severe migraines that significantly impact daily life, preventive medications might be recommended by a healthcare professional. These medications, taken typically on a daily basis, aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
A healthcare provider can be a valuable asset in pinpointing your migraine triggers. They might recommend keeping a migraine diary, a helpful tool for tracking your migraines. This journal can record details like the date, time, and duration of your migraines, along with any symptoms you experience.
To identify potential triggers, you can also include information about the foods you consumed, activities you participated in, and your stress levels around the time of migraine. By diligently recording this information, you and your healthcare provider can work together to identify patterns and connections between these factors and your migraines.
In addition to traditional treatment approaches, some individuals find relief through complementary therapies. These therapies may work alongside medications to enhance their effectiveness or offer alternative options for managing migraines.
Here are some examples of complementary therapies that some people find helpful:
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, including complementary approaches. They can help you determine if a particular therapy is safe and appropriate for you, considering your individual medical history and current medications.
The interventional pain management physicians at Pro Spine & Pain are Ivy League-educated and trained. Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors—a prestigious national accolade—we offer minimally invasive procedures to alleviate your pain and help you resume daily activities. Additionally, we specialize in regenerative medicine to initiate the healing process once you’re pain-free. Trusted by over 10,000 patients in Wisconsin, our team leverages multiple modalities to address your pain, including managing post-operative pain from previous surgeries. Our doctors prioritize upholding each patient’s dignity while delivering ethical and professional services.
