Migraines are intense headaches that can cause severe throbbing pain. They can last for hours to days and can be extremely debilitating. Migraine attacks can occur daily, multiple times per month, or just on occasion. There are multiple possible causes including chemical and hormonal imbalances, diet, medications, environmental factors, and stress. Muscle tension can also be a factor.
Symptoms:
- Severe pain on one or both sides of the head
- Throbbing or pulsating
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sometimes associated with an aura prior to the pain
- Vision changes such as flashes of light or floaters
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pins and needles sensation in the head, face, or an extremity
Treatment:
- Management of any identified causes
- Avoid known triggers
- Certain medications can shorten the migraine duration or reduce the frequency of attacks
- Manual therapy for muscle tension
- Acupuncture
- Botox injections can decrease the frequency of migraines