Migraine headaches are more severe and can be debilitating, leaving you in bed for days. You will need a migraine specialist to effectively diagnose the cause and manage the symptoms.
Houston interventional radiology clinic consists of board-certified, highly-skilled specialists who offer advanced proven solutions for migraine pain.
Understanding migraine headaches
A migraine is a neurological condition characterized by a throbbing, pulsing one-sided headache. This type of pain lasts at least 4 hours to several days. Your migraine headache can likely worsen with physical activity, lights, sounds, or smells.
It is estimated that at least 12% of Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Migraines often cause disabling pain and other symptoms that can negatively impact your routine activities.
Contributing factors that cause migraine headaches
Though the cause of migraine headaches is unknown, it is believed you have a headache due to the pain signals sent by the blood vessels to your brain. This leads to an inflammatory response.
Migraine headaches can however be triggered due to a variety of factors:
- Skipping a meal
- Emotional stress
- Sensitivity to certain additives and preservatives in foods (such as nitrates or fermented food)
- Caffeine
- Daily use of painkillers
- Hormonal changes in women (can worsen during menopause)
- Flashing light
- Extreme sunlight
Symptoms of migraine
Migraines present with the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Throbbing or pulsing sensation
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Palor (pale skin)
- Tender scalp
- Diarrhea
- Extreme sweating or chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
- Inability to concentrate
You may also experience auras, which are sensory symptoms that occur before or during a migraine episode. The symptoms may include flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling sensation in the hands or face.
Effective treatments for migraine
Initially, migraines were treated through home remedies (rest, scalp massage, cold compresses, and meditation), and medication.
Currently, with the advent of technology, healthcare professionals offer state-of-the-art procedures for chronic migraine pain, such as SphenoCath SPG.
All about SphenoCath SPG
Principle
- This procedure targets the sphenopalatine ganglion, which is a bundle of nerve cells behind your nose.
- It involves delivering lidocaine (an anesthetic agent) that temporarily blocks the pain signals.
Procedure
- This is an outpatient procedure, and your doctor will insert the slim SphenoCath device into the back of your nasal cavity.
- It extends the internal catheter into the nerve to deliver the lidocaine directly to the sphenopalatine ganglion.
- The procedure is repeated with the other nostril.
- It provides instant pain relief that lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Final note
Migraines can be devastating, affecting your routine life. Fortunately, there are advanced methods to help you manage and endure the symptoms. Work with your healthcare professionals to keep migraines from ruining your life.
