About 39 million Americans have migraines, making it the most common neurological condition today. At San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine, with three offices in San Antonio, Texas, the experienced medical providers know how difficult migraines can be. They provide respectful and compassionate care to help you find a migraine solution that genuinely works for your needs. Book your appointment online or call the office nearest you today.
Migraines are severe headaches that typically cause pounding or throbbing pain in the left or right half of your head. This type of headache can last for up to 72 hours, and it can be quite debilitating if untreated.
Experts believe that both environment and genetics may contribute to migraines. There are dozens of possible migraine triggers, with some of the most common including stress, alcohol, certain foods, weather, and bright lights.
Migraines can have up to four stages, with unique symptoms in each stage. But, they can be different for each person because you may not experience all stages every time you have a migraine. The four stages include:
Prodrome includes the earliest signs that a migraine is coming. These symptoms occur one or two days before the migraine starts. You may have symptoms like mood swings, excessive yawning, increased urinary frequency, and constipation during the prodrome stage.
The aura stage includes visual symptoms like seeing flashing lights, wavy lines, or blank spots in your vision. Some people experience physical sensations like an odd tingling in their extremities and weakness or numbness in half of their body during auras. An aura can happen immediately before or during a migraine.
The attack stage of migraines (the headache stage) typically starts slowly and builds to a severe level of pain. Most people with migraines experience throbbing pain, usually on just one side of the head. Many people also experience light, noise, or odor sensitivity. You may also experience nausea and vomiting. The attack phase can last from a couple of hours to three days.
Postdrome is the after-effects of the attack phase. Many people feel very tired, weak, and disoriented in the postdrome stage. Postdrome may last for as long as a full day.
Migraines can take over your life and leave you feeling hopeless, particularly if you have chronic migraines. But, with appropriate treatment, you can prevent many migraines and lessen the intensity and duration of others.
Many people with migraines experience episodic (occasional) migraines. But, up to 5% of Americans experience chronic migraines.
Chronic migraines are a long-term issue with the following characteristics:
Both episodic and chronic migraines require treatment to lessen and prevent attacks.
Migraine treatment at San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine focuses on easing symptoms and preventing future headaches. In many cases, this means taking preventive medication and medication for migraine attacks as needed.
There are also options for chronic migraine management, such as injections or Botox® treatment. Your provider works with you to find a treatment that relieves your pain and helps you avoid losing any more time to migraines.
Call San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine or click the online scheduling tool to make your appointment for migraine help now.