Migraines

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a severe headache that causes crushing pain that affects your every move. When you have a migraine headache, it’s almost impossible to be productive at work or keep up with your daily routine.

Migraines are often called “sick headaches” because they can cause nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of overall illness. They can come on suddenly but may last as long as three or four days. An exact cause isn’t known, but migraines are frequently triggered by:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Allergies
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Sleep deprivation
• Strong fragrances
• Food additives

How do I know if I have a migraine?

Migraines are in their own category because they don’t feel like any other kind of headache. A migraine can resolve in a few hours, or it may last several days. There are four distinct phases that you may move through as you endure a migraine headache:

Prodrome

A couple of days before the migraine, there may be signs that an attack is coming. Some things you may experience in prodrome are constipation, stiff neck, intense food cravings, or diarrhea.

Aura

The aura phase includes dizziness, blurry vision, problems with fine motor skills, slurred speech, and weak muscles.

Headache

The headache phase is often so severe it is incapacitating. When you're at this stage, you may experience a pounding one-sided headache, sensitivity to noise and lights, and eye or sinus pain.

Postdrome

When the migraine subsides, you’ll feel fatigued and drained. You may not be able to concentrate for a few hours, and holding a conversation may be difficult.

How are migraines treated?

The caring team at Doctors First works diligently to diagnose, treat, and stop your migraines in their tracks. Dr. Malik or one of the expert physician assistants will customize your treatment based on your specific symptoms.

They might prescribe one or a combination of effective pharmaceuticals, such as NSAIDs, prescription-strength ibuprofen, anti-nausea medicines, triptans, ergots, opioids, and glucocorticoids. Medications for migraines are either preventive or pain relieving.

Doctors First provides urgent care for sudden migraines and primary care for preventive treatment of recurring headaches. If they can’t diagnose or adequately treat your migraine, they’ll even bring in a specialist to help.