A migraine is a painful and debilitating headache that sometimes requires prescription medication to ease the pain. If you suffer from chronic migraines, a standard over-the-counter headache pill may not be enough.
Chronic migraine is defined as having a headache on at least 15 days a month, for over three months. According to an American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention study, 0.5 percent of American men and 1.3 percent of American women experience chronic migraines.
The pain management centers offer proven migraine treatments for patients dealing with chronic as well as episodic migraines. A board-certified doctor and pain specialist who has been offering alternative treatments to address several illnesses and injuries.
Symptoms of Chronic Migraine
A chronic migraine must involve two of the following factors for at least eight days in a month:
- Headache that is moderate to severe in intensity, and made worse by any type of physical activity
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Throbbing pain in the head or one side of the head
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sound, light, and smells
Causes of Chronic Migraine
Sadly, migraines are yet to be fully understood by researchers and the medical community. Even though some potential causes have been identified, there are still no definitive answers as to the causes of migraines.
Some theories say that a migraine could be a result of a chemical imbalance, central nervous system disorder, vascular irregularities, or even genetics.
In some cases, your chronic migraines may also be an underlying symptom of another severe issue like brain inflammation, traumatic brain injury, meningitis, or a brain tumor. Only your doctor can determine what’s causing your chronic migraine after running tests to rule out these conditions.
How to Reduce the Presence of Chronic Migraines
There are many medications that can help prevent frequent migraine attacks. Depending on your unique case, your doctor might recommend preventive medications that are designed to reduce how often you get migraines, how long they last, and how severe they are.
One of the most effective chronic migraine treatments is Botox.
Botox treatment is the first FDA-approved preventive remedy for chronic migraines that prevents painful headaches before they even start.
In addition to Botox injections, treating chronic migraines also involves various lifestyle changes and alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage. Managing your stress and increasing relaxation has proven to be very effective in preventing migraines in many patients. Regular meditation has also shown promise. Depending on your condition, you may also be prescribed medication to lessen the severity of your migraines.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
