Migraine Treatment in Rajahmundry

Migraine is a disabling headache, usually affecting one side of the head, characterized by throbbing or pounding pain that worsens with physical activity. Approximately one in ten people suffer from this type of headache, which typically lasts between 4 to 72 hours but can extend longer. Classical migraines often involve an aura, which includes symptoms like sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, nausea, and vomiting. However, migraines can also occur without these symptoms.

Headache Treatment In Rajahmundry:

Understanding Aura

Aura refers to warning signs that often precede a migraine attack but are not always present. Symptoms include intolerance to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, tingling sensations in limbs, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, and irritability. These symptoms usually last between 20 to 70 minutes.

Migraine Without Aura

Yes, migraines can occur without an aura in some individuals.

What are the Causes of Migraine Headaches?

The precise reason behind migraines remains unidentified. However, environmental factors and genetics play significant roles. Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, are also thought to contribute to migraines.

What are the Triggers of Migraine Attacks?

Common triggers include:

• Stress, depression, anxiety, excitement, and shock
• Physical factors like tiredness, insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, and physical overexertion
• Certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, and citrus fruits
• Some medications, including sleeping pills and hormone replacement therapy
• Environmental factors like flickering screens, strong smells, second-hand smoke, loud noises, stuffy rooms, temperature changes, and bright lights

Preventive Measures

• Keep a migraine diary to identify and avoid triggers
• Maintain a regular routine, including eating regularly and not skipping meals
• Avoid stress and establish regular sleeping hours
• Engage in regular exercise and meditation
• Consult with a physician regularly

Diagnosis

Diagnosis primarily relies on the patient’s history, as symptoms can vary. Physicians may order tests like CT scans, MRIs, or blood tests based on associated features.

Treatment Options

• Avoid triggers and understand aura to take medications before a migraine sets in
• Medications prescribed by physicians to abort acute attacks include NSAIDs, triptans, and ergotamines
• Preventive medications are considered for patients with:
  • Attacks lasting more than 12 hours
  • More than four debilitating attacks per month
  • Slow response to acute attack medications
• Headache treatment in Rajahmundry

Botox Injections

Botox injections provide relief from chronic migraines and are approved by the FDA for adults over 18. Relief usually lasts for 6-8 months, but some individuals may have allergic reactions.

When to See a Doctor

• Intense, explosive headaches
• New-onset headaches
• Persistent morning headaches with nausea
• New headaches in patients with a history of cancer
• Progressive headaches worsening over weeks
• Headaches with postural changes
• Aura symptoms lasting longer than an hour
• First-time headaches associated with oral contraceptives

Cluster Headaches

Overview

Cluster headaches involve severe pain on one side of the head, often near the eye, accompanied by tearing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. These headaches occur in clusters, typically at the same time each day, for weeks or months, followed by a headache-free period. They are more common in men aged 30-40.

Identification

• Episodes can range from 15 minutes to 3 hours in duration.
• Frequency ranges from once every other day to up to eight times per day
• Symptoms include restlessness, agitation, sweating, and periorbital/orbital swelling

Triggers

Common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, exercise, and strong odors.

Differential Diagnosis

Cluster headaches can be mistaken for migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, and temporal arteritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical history and examination. Additional tests, such as blood tests and ophthalmic exams, may be necessary to rule out other conditions. MRI or CT scans are occasionally required for complications.

Treatment

• Mild to moderate episodes can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics like aspirin and paracetamol, and caffeine
• Severe cases may require a combination of drugs, including opioids
• Preventive treatments and nerve blocks may be effective for refractory cases

Prognosis

Early diagnosis and treatment initiation generally lead to a good prognosis. Regular medication and avoiding triggers are crucial for management. Migraine treatment in Rajahmundry.

Tension-Type Headaches

Overview

Tension-type headaches are the most common, characterized by a tight, band-like sensation around the head. Pain lasts from 30 minutes to 7 days and can be bilateral or unilateral.

Symptoms

• Mild to moderate pain, rarely severe
• Tenderness in neck and forehead muscles, neck pain
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Frequency

• Episodic: Less than 15 episodes per month
• Chronic: More than 15 episodes per month

Triggers

Common triggers include stress, impaired sleep, skipping meals, vision problems, eye strain, and overexertion.

Differential Diagnosis

Tension-type headaches can mimic migraines, fibromyalgia, and nasal sinusitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical history and examination. Unlike migraines, tension headaches do not worsen with physical activity, and nausea/vomiting are not typically associated.

Treatment

• Mild to moderate episodes: Over-the-counter analgesics like aspirin and paracetamol
• Severe episodes: Combination of drugs, possibly including opioids
• Preventive treatments for increasing disability may include low-dose antidepressants like amitriptyline and drugs like gabapentin
• Other options: Relaxation therapy, acupuncture, and exercises