Migraine Headaches
What Causes Migraines?
Common triggers include:
- Hormonal changes (especially in women)
- Stress and emotional strain
- Sleep disruptions or poor sleep patterns
- Skipped meals or dehydration
- Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells
- Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
- Certain foods (aged cheeses, processed foods, additives)
- Alcohol or caffeine changes
Common Symptoms
Primary Migraine Symptoms
- Moderate to severe throbbing pain — often on one side of the head
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Nausea and vomiting
Aura (in some people)
About one-third of people with migraines experience an aura — temporary visual or sensory symptoms before or during a migraine, such as:- Flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines
- Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
Postdrome
After the headache phase, many people feel drained or tired for up to a day.How Are Migraines Diagnosed?
Treatment Options for Migraine Headache
Lifestyle & Trigger Management
Many people find relief by identifying and avoiding personal migraine triggers. Helpful habits include:- Keeping a headache diary to track triggers and symptoms
- Maintaining regular sleep and meal patterns
- Staying hydrated
Managing stress with relaxation, meditation, or gentle exercise
Acute (Abortive) Treatments
Designed to stop migraine symptoms once they start:- Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs) for mild attacks
- Prescription medications like triptans
Other migraine-specific drugs (gepants, ditans) These are usually most effective when taken early in an attack.
Preventive (Prophylactic) Treatments
If migraines are frequent or disabling, daily preventive therapy may be recommended. Options include:- Beta-blockers or blood pressure medicines
- Antidepressants or anti-seizure medications
- Monthly or quarterly injectable therapies that block CGRP
- Botox injections for chronic migraine
Advanced & Neuromodulation Options
For some patients with persistent migraine symptoms, additional approaches may include:- Nerve blocks (e.g., occipital nerve block)
- Neuromodulation devices that alter pain signals
Prognosis — What to Expect
Migraines are generally a long-term condition, but many people achieve significant improvement in symptoms with a tailored treatment plan. Some patients experience reduction in frequency and severity over time with proper care.
Staying proactive about lifestyle habits, trigger avoidance, and preventive therapies can greatly improve quality of life.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Contact a clinician promptly if you experience:
- A sudden, severe headache unlike previous migraines
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or weakness
- Vision loss, speech changes, or numbness — especially on one side
- Headache after a head injury
These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent evaluation.
FAQs
No. Migraine is a neurological disorder that involves complex nerve and chemical changes, not just a strong headache.
Yes. Many people benefit from preventive medications and lifestyle changes that reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
No. Only about one-third of people experience aura before or during a migraine.
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
FAQs
According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than 39 million Americans suffer from migraines.
Headaches are divided into primary headaches, which develop on their own (including migraines, tension-type, and cluster headaches), and secondary headaches, which result from another health problem.
Types of migraines include migraine with aura, migraine without aura, ocular (retinal) migraines, hemiplegic migraines, migraines with brainstem aura, and chronic migraines.
Triggers include hormonal changes, food and drinks (like alcohol, caffeine, skipping meals, dehydration), irregular sleep patterns, and weather changes.
Diagnosis is based on recognizing a pattern of recurrent headaches, accompanying symptoms, and medical and family history.