Do Your Migraines Require Medical Attention?

Migraines are much more than just a severe headache. They’re actually the result of a brain and nerve disorder. Migraine attacks cause a wide range of symptoms, but a headache is the most well-known symptom. 

If you deal with migraine attacks, it can often leave you unable to function for hours or even days, which can really start to wear on your quality of life. 

At RapidRecovery TMS in Wilmington, North Carolina, our team is passionate about providing quality medical treatment to those struggling with migraines to restore optimal health and well-being. 

This month’s blog explores migraines and the treatments that are available to you.

Understanding migraines

A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity. Most experts agree that each attack starts in the brain and involves nerve pathways and chemicals. The shift in brain activity changes how blood flows to and from your brain and the surrounding tissues, leading to migraine symptoms. 

Many times, migraine attacks are triggered by something specific, and everyone can have different triggers. Commonly reported migraine triggers include stress, missing a meal, overdoing physical activity, caffeine, and hormone changes. 

Stages of a migraine

Migraines typically follow a series of four steps. However, not everyone goes through all four stages.

Prodrome

This stage usually starts about 24 hours before the headache portion. It can cause symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

Aura

This group of sensory symptoms can happen during the headache stage or 5-60 minutes beforehand. Common aura symptoms include muscle weakness, vision changes, and ringing in your ears. 

Headache 

Migraine headaches can last anywhere from 4-72 hours. The pain from these headaches can be throbbing or pulsing and is typically isolated to one side of your head. Some people have pain so severe that it leads to nausea and light sensitivity. 

Postdrome

You enter this stage after your headache subsides. Many people refer to this stage as a “migraine hangover” since it can leave you feeling tired and confused.

Treating migraines

If you struggle with migraine attacks on occasion or regularly, there are treatment options available. There are no qualifications needed to receive professional medical help.

The first lines of treatment are typically medications and trigger avoidance. You can try over-the-counter pain medications, or we can prescribe stronger medications that can either stop migraines altogether or lessen their severity and frequency. To avoid migraine triggers, keep a journal to track what might be causing your migraines.

For more severe and chronic migraines, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy might be a better option. TMS therapy changes the abnormal brain activity causing migraines by sending out electromagnetic waves through a helmet placed on your head. 

The waves target your motor cortex, which lessens the severity and frequency of your migraines as a result.  

Next steps

For compassionate and quality migraine care, look no further than our team at RapidRecovery TMS. Schedule an appointment with us by calling our office or booking online today.