Roughly 30 million adults in the United States deal with chronic migraines, or recurring headaches characterized by severe, throbbing pain and other debilitating symptoms. Living with an ongoing migraine problem can take a toll, affecting your ability to go to work or take part in social activities. The team of experts at My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne, Texas, treat chronic headaches of all kinds, including migraines. If you’re ready to find migraine relief, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Primary headaches are triggered by a problem within the pain-sensitive structures of your head, including the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels around your skull, as well as the chemical activity in your brain. The three main types of primary headaches are:
Unlike secondary headaches, which are the direct result of a physical condition or illness, primary headaches are not an indication of an underlying health problem.
Migraines are characterized by a severe pulsing sensation on either one or both sides of the head. Whether they last for a few hours or several days, most migraines progress through four distinct stages:
Although researchers don’t understand exactly what causes a migraine, they have been able to determine some of the most common migraine triggers:
Some people find that their migraines are triggered by sensory stimuli, such as bright lights or strong scents. For others, the problem may be linked to certain food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Alcohol, particularly red wine, is another known trigger.
One of the most effective migraine treatment strategies is identifying and avoiding known triggers. Depending on the frequency and severity of your headaches, your treatment plan may also include pain-relief medications that you can take during an attack, or preventive medications and lifestyle changes that aim to reduce the frequency or severity of your headaches.
To learn more about all available migraine treatment strategies, call My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne, Texas, walk in, or schedule an appointment online today.