Migraines are more than just a headache. Along with a lot of pain, they can bring a number of other unpleasant symptoms that can keep you from getting out of bed some days. If you’re like many people with this condition, you never know when a migraine may arise, and sometimes there’s no known trigger. However, if you find out what can trigger your migraines, treatment may be much more successful.
At Boston MindCare, our goal is to get you feeling better as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your day-to-day activities without the gnawing pain of a migraine. Dr. Jason Lee and Dr. Isabele Legarda offer many different treatment options for this condition, and can help you better understand your migraines so you can get them under control for good.
What is a migraine?
If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to suffer a migraine, you know it’s more than just a headache. The truth is, a migraine is actually a neurological problem that results in severe pain, usually on one side of your head. Pain isn’t the only symptom though. There are a few other indications that you’re dealing with a migraine, such as:
Fatigue Light, sound, or smell sensitivity Nausea and vomiting Facial and jaw pain Neck pain Brain fog (confusion)
The active (pain) phase of a migraine may last anywhere from several hours to a few days in some cases. Migraines can be so severe that they interfere with your daily activities, leaving you wondering, why me? Finding out the causes, or triggers, of your migraines can help you hopefully avoid at least some attacks in the future.
Common migraine causes
Although migraines are a pretty common disorder, researchers still don’t fully understand what causes the problem. Some believe genetics and chemical imbalances might play a part in your likelihood of developing migraines.
Environmental factors also play a large role in your migraine attacks. You might notice that certain things trigger the onset of a migraine. Some common triggers you may experience include:
Caffeine or alcohol Sleep disturbances Food additives Stress Medications Hormonal changes
You could also notice that your migraines come on when there’s a change in the weather. This is due to the difference in barometric pressure, which can be detrimental to your condition.
Another common trigger for migraines is strong smells or other environmental stimuli. This means if you’re around someone who smokes or wears perfume or cologne, a migraine could be just around the corner.
Certain foods can also bring on the pain of a migraine. Processed foods, along with foods high in salt, are commonly linked to migraines. Although it’s not possible to avoid all of these triggers all of the time, you can learn how to limit exposure to things you know bring on a migraine, and avoid days of being laid up.
Treatments we offer
Unfortunately, migraines aren’t completely curable. With this condition, you’ll experience periods of remission, but the pain almost always surfaces again. However, there are many treatments that help you effectively control your symptoms.
Our doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications for your migraine symptoms. They may also recommend prescription migraine medications to prevent or to control migraine attacks. Although these medications may work for some people, they may not completely relieve your symptoms. In this case, Dr. Yee and Dr. Lagarda might talk to you about ketamine infusion therapy.
Ketamine is a drug that’s used in surgery as a potent anesthetic. However, it’s a very versatile medication with other therapeutic uses. At our office, we use ketamine infusion therapy as an alternative when other treatment avenues fail. Of course, much like any other medications, there are side effects, but our doctors will discuss these with you before proceeding with your treatment.
Ketamine doesn’t work for everyone, but it can be very helpful in managing your condition when other therapies fail.
If you’re tired of suffering from painful migraines and missing out on the life you love, call our office at 781-207-9841, or schedule a consultation online today.