Migraines

About 12-15% of the population experience migraines — an often debilitating condition causing severe head pain. At Delaware NeuroRehab in Newark, Dover, and Lewes, Delaware, Haresh Sampathkumar, MD, and the highly trained interdisciplinary team find the underlying cause of your migraines and provide treatments that relieve bothersome symptoms. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that can become debilitating when not treated. They’re characterized by throbbing or pulsing head pain, particularly on one side of your head. 

Many things can increase your risk of migraines. Treatment with the Delaware NeuroRehab team offers long-lasting relief from migraine pain. 

What are the symptoms of migraines?

Migraines can cause:

• One-sided head pain
• Throbbing
• Dull aching
• Pulsing discomfort
• Fatigue
• Vision changes
• Ringing in your ears
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sound, light, or odor sensitivity 
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Muscle weakness
• Neck stiffness

Migraines might last several hours up to a few days when not treated. They may become worse because of bright lights, exercise, loud sounds, or strong odors. 

Migraines are often debilitating, reducing your ability to be productive at work and enjoy your favorite activities.

Some people have auras before they get migraines. An aura may cause you to see zigzags, dots, or sparks in your vision. You might become dizzy, experience ringing in your ears, or have difficulty speaking clearly.

What may increase your risk of migraines?

The following factors may increase your risk of developing migraines:

• Menstruation in women
• Other hormonal changes
• Some medications
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Tobacco
• Caffine
• Weather changes
• Stress
• Genetics
• Skipping meals
• Overexersion 
• Loud noises
• Bright lights
• Strong odors
• Some foods
• Being female
• Underlying medical problems (sleep disorders, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, etc.)

It’s common to have migraines several times a month. They develop when nerves in your blood vessels send pain signals to the brain, releasing inflammatory substances. Up to 80% of people with migraines have a family member with migraines.

How are migraines diagnosed?

The experts at Delaware NeuroRehab diagnose migraines by discussing your medical history, reviewing your symptoms, and completing physical and neurological exams. 

You might need blood tests, imaging procedures (MRI, CT scan, etc.), a brain activity test called an electroencephalogram (EEG), or a videonystagmography (VNG).

How are migraines treated?

Treating migraines at Delaware NeuroRehab may consist of one or more of the following:

• Migraine trigger avoidance
• Medications to prevent migraines
• Medicines that stop migraines
• Lifestyle changes (altered diet, exercise, or sleep habits)
• Stress management
• Vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplements
• Biofeedback
• Botox®
• Acupuncture
• Neurorehabilitation 

Migraine medications are available as oral medicines, injections, intravenous (IV) infusions, suppositories, and nasal sprays. If you develop a migraine, try resting in a quiet, dark room. Consider applying a warm or cold compress to painful areas or massaging your scalp.

While there’s no cure for migraines, the Delaware NeuroRehab team helps you manage your symptoms or prevent them using personalized treatment plans.

Schedule a migraine evaluation at Delaware NeuroRehab by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.