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migraines

Will My Migraines Get Better Over Time?

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering migraines, the term “debilitating” is rather an understatement. The disabling headache, along with the slew of distressing symptoms, can leave you to wonder when there’s going to be any reprieve and if it will ever get better over time.

The good news is that, while there’s no step-by-step plan to make migraine attacks stop, the condition can go into either a partial or full remission: partial means you have fewer than 15 days of migraine headaches, while full remission means you go an entire year without experiencing the symptoms.

Read on to learn about what can cause to migraines to worsen as well as the things you can do to avoid attacks and achieve remission.

Why Would Migraines Worsen Over Time?

One way a migraine can get worse is when it becomes chronic. This equates to having bouts of headache 15 or more days every month and of the other migraine symptoms on at least 8 days for more than 3 months.

This can be ascribed to the absence of a proper migraine treatment plan: how you treat your symptoms can have an impact on the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

Migraine headaches that persist and worsen need further medical evaluation, especially if you only started experiencing them after the age of 50, if they have occurred due to a head injury or a side effect of disease treatment, or if they are resistant to medication and lifestyle changes.

Heading Off Migraine Attacks

A commonsense strategy to stave off migraine attacks is to identify and avoid the very things that trigger them. Migraine headaches can be precipitated by smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, caffeine, changes in schedule, hunger, strong fragrances, stress, and menstruation. Lifestyle changes, such as establishing a regular sleep and eating schedule, smoking cessation, reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine, using unscented products, and managing stress help head off attacks.

For women who have menstrual migraines, one way the attacks can be prevented is by taking medications before menstruation begins up until a few days after the period has ended. Medications used to treat migraines include triptans, gepants, and ditans, which belong to a class of drugs whose mechanism of action is to quiet down overactive pain nerves.

Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants, antiseizures, or beta blockers, to treat episodic migraines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when taken at the onset of a migraine attack, can also help with managing the symptoms. The earlier you take your medication/s, the better they work.

Migraine Treatment in Wellington, FL

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, along with the rest of our team, is dedicated to bringing one goal to fruition: keeping our patients healthy. Dr. Gunawardene can work closely with your neurologist or any other specialist contributing to your care to help you take full control of your migraine, so you can enjoy your life again.

Book your visit with Dr. Gunawardene today. Contact our staff at (561) 434-1935, or use our convenient online request form.

6 Causes of Serious Headaches

The pain from headaches and migraines can interfere with your daily life. You might not function at work as you should. The discomfort may even disrupt the time you spend with your family. When you understand the causes of serious headaches, you will know when you should visit a primary care physician or someone who is an expert in Wellington family practice. The most common causes are:

 

1. Brain Infection 

A brain infection, though not a common cause of serious headache, is a problem that can cause serious complications. Therefore, you should take notice if you have a serious headache accompanied by any of these symptoms:

·    Delayed Speech 

·    Vision Changes

·    Muscle Function Changes

·    Vomiting

·    Fever 

·    Chills

A brain infection usually stems from one of the following microbes: 

·    Virus

·    Bacteria

·    Fungi

 

2. Hormone Headaches 

If you’re a woman, you may experience hormone-related headaches triggered by changes in your estrogen levels. For example, you may notice your headaches occur before your menstrual cycle. Pregnancy, perimenopause, birth control medications, and menopause can all cause serious headaches due to hormone changes.

Hormone headaches in men can occur as well. Specifically, men who have low testosterone levels are more likely to experience chronic migraines than men with normal testosterone levels. 

3. Hemicrania Continua

This particular type of headache usually causes moderate pain, but you can experience bouts of severe pain. Keep in mind that the headaches from hemicrania continua happen daily, and you won’t have any periods without pain. In some cases, this type of headache will cause migraine-like symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. 

The cause of hemicrania continua isn’t known, but a specialist in family medicine Royal Palm Beach can prescribe a medication to manage your pain and other symptoms. 

 

4. Sleep Deprivation

Your body requires an adequate amount of sleep to function normally. When you don’t receive enough sleep, you may develop headaches or migraines during the times when you lack sleep. 

Moreover, sleep and headache disorders both rely on the same brain structures, which make you more prone to serious headaches. 

 

5. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, classifies as a silent condition because it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, when your blood pressure levels unusually rise , you may develop a severe headache. 

Generally, mild or moderate hypertension won’t cause headaches, which is when your blood pressure is between 140 to 159 over 90 to 99 or 160 to 179 over 100 to 190. 

 

6. Meningitis 

Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation  of the membranes surrounding your spinal cord and brain. In the United States, a majority of cases start with a viral infection. 

The initial symptoms of meningitis often mirror symptoms of the flu. Your neck could feel stiff, and you may even experience excessive sleepiness. Severe headaches and headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting could occur, too. 

A primary care physician at Royal Palm Beach can diagnose and treat severe headaches. Therefore, you can go back to living your normal life without the debilitating headaches that interfere with your daily life. 

Contact Advanced Medical PA — a family medicine practice that serves Wellington and the surrounding Florida area — today for relief from your serious headaches. Call us at (561) 315-4172. While we’d love to speak to you personally, for your convenience, you can also use our online appointment form. 

What People with Migraines Wish You Knew

Do you or a loved one get migraines? If you haven’t gotten one, you probably don’t know what it feels like. People who get frequent migraines sometimes struggle to express how they feel and why they must make last minute changes to plans if they end up getting one.

Here are things people who get migraines wish others knew. If you are a migraine sufferer, share these with people in your life. If you do not get migraines yourself but have someone in your life who does, here are some points that’ll make you understand the condition a little better.

It Is Nothing Like a Headache.

A migraine is so much more than a headache. The symptoms of a migraine include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, vision obstructions that appear right when a migraine is about to set in, and light, sound, and smell sensitivity. A headache goes away with ibuprofen, whereas a migraine does not. Moreover, a migraine can last days and repeatedly come back. Unlike with a normal headache, most people can’t simply take a pain reliever and go on about their day. Migraines require self-isolation in a quiet and dark place until it subsides. For many, this could be hours or even days.

It Can Have Disabling Effects.

Migraine episodes can be disabling. The combination of symptoms can prevent you from going to work, seeing friends and family, and attending events or social gatherings. A migraine can make you miss out on things that mean a lot to you, like a birthday party or a concert you’d been waiting months for. As a result, people around a migraine sufferer must be understanding and accommodating.

There are Migraine Triggers.

People who frequently get migraines often have triggers. For some, it may be certain smells, while for others it may be particular foods. Some people get migraines when they skip meals. Many women get migraines based on hormonal changes due to their menstrual cycle. You may also get migraines if you drink a lot or have a lot of stress to deal with. The important thing is to figure out what your triggers are and avoid them. This method will help you reduce the frequency of your migraines.

You Have to Act Fast.

When you get a migraine, it is important to stop what you’re doing and get ready to pass the migraine. If you are at work and a migraine comes on, you should leave work and head home. If you are planning a day out and a migraine develops, pushing through the migraine will likely not fix it, and you will probably end up being miserable. Many times, avoiding treatment can make migraine symptoms worse. Therefore, as soon as you feel a migraine is setting in, take medication (based on your doctor’s orders) and get to a quiet, relaxing place to rest.

Migraine Treatment in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you are one of the over 38 million Americans who suffer from migraines, and you haven’t found a treatment plan that works for you, the internal medicine doctors at Advanced Medical can help. We treat a variety of conditions that affect adults, including migraines.

Talk to us about your symptoms, and we will come up with a solution that works. To schedule a consultation, call Advanced Medical at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment now. We also accept walk-ins!

What Causes Migraines?

Migraines affect 39 million Americans and a billion people worldwide every year. They can occur with or without warning signs, and for many people, they manifest suddenly. They are characterized by severe pain in the head that often requires you to drop whatever activity you are doing.

While you may experience sensory disturbances before a migraine comes, for many, it can come out of nowhere. Fortunately, you can avoid a migraine if you’re able to manage or steer clear of your triggers.

Here are some common causes of migraines.

Hormonal Changes

More women get migraines than men. Upon reaching adolescence, many women experience migraines due to hormonal changes happening in their bodies. Migraines usually occur during or before a menstrual period or during menopause or pregnancy. Changes in estrogen levels can trigger a migraine for many women.

Likewise, medications that cause hormonal changes, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies, can also cause migraines.

Sensory Stimuli

There are many sensory triggers that can cause migraines. Flickering screens, bright lights, such as flashlights and the sun, and loud noises are some examples. Secondhand smoke and strong smells emanating from perfume, cigarettes, and paint thinners, among others, can also set off migraines for a lot of people.

Stress

Physical, emotional, and mental stress can set off a migraine. Physical stress may include strenuous exercise and sexual activities. Work and home life conflicts are also common causes of stress. All of these issues can serve as migraine triggers. Similarly, anxiety, depression, excitement, and shock can also be triggers.

Changes in Sleep Cycle

Jet lag, too much sleep, or a lack of sleep can all trigger migraines. If this is a trigger for you, being on a consistent sleep schedule that ensures you get just enough sleep can help prevent migraines.

Dietary Triggers

Not watching what you eat may also give you migraines. Eating processed foods with additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame is linked to migraine attacks. Salty and aged foods, such as cheese and salami, can give you migraines, as well.

While coffee and alcohol can be comfort drinks, they are linked to migraines. Consume these drinks in moderation. Aside from avoiding certain dietary triggers, remember to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Dehydration and skipping meals are also triggers for many.

Weather Changes

Frequent changes in weather are likely to affect your body temperature. Temperature changes cause migraine attacks for many people.

Genetics

Family history also contributes to your risk of developing migraines. For example, if one of your parents frequently experiences migraines, you may be at a higher risk of getting them – however, your triggers may be different than theirs.

Migraine Treatment In Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida

If your migraines prevent you from enjoying life, consult with a doctor for treatment options. At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida, our physicians can help figure out your triggers and provide treatment options for much needed relief.

Visit us today and see how we can help get rid of your migraines. To make an appointment, please call (561) 434-1935, or you may request an appointment online.

Treatments for Headaches

A headache is possibly one of the most disruptive pains you can experience. Headaches are not only painful, they also interfere with your day like no other type of pain. A lot of people find themselves having to change plans, delay completing important work, and rescheduling meetings because of headaches.

The important thing to note about headaches is that not all headaches are the same. There are different types of headaches and treatment will vary depending on the type of headache you have. Let’s take a look at some common types of headaches and how to treat them.

Migraines

A migraine headache, according to the American Migraine Foundation, is a neurological disease, with multiple subsets, all of which are associated with head pain.

Migraines with auras are headaches that come with sensory or visual elements. The sufferer may experience numbness, and their vision may be affected to the point that they see patterns like zigzags or dots.

A migraine headache can exhibit with pulsating pain and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Working, talking, and watching tv can exacerbate a migraine. It can take several hours to three days for a migraine to disappear.

Knowing what triggers a migraine is extremely helpful when relieving painful symptoms. Avoiding those triggers will assist in managing the migraine before it begins or worsens.

Your healthcare provider can prescribe medications for migraines that are severe and long lasting. Resting in a dark room, applying a compress to the head, and relaxing can also help alleviate migraines.

Tension headaches

This type of headache is felt on both sides of the head and gives a similar sensation to wearing a very tight hat. You may also feel pressure or a dull ache. This type of headache is triggered when you are stressed or worried about something for a long period of time.

Tension headaches can be treated at home taking over-the-counter pain medications, managing stress, and relaxing. When these methods fail to work, talk to a doctor for further treatment. Your doctor may be able to prescribe more effective medications, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cluster headaches

These headaches are severely painful and can last for weeks at a time. The pain symptoms develop on one side of the head and can be accompanied by a runny nose, congestion, or watery eyes.

Treating a tension or cluster headache with over-the counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can be helpful in relieving pain. If the pain doesn’t subside with over-the-counter medications, your doctor can prescribe other stronger medications.

Cluster headaches are often treated through fast-acting treatments (prescription pain medications, oxygen, etc.) for immediate relief as well as preventive treatments (corticosteroids, nerve blocks, etc.) to reduce the frequency and severity of future headaches.

Headache Treatment in Wellington, Pennsylvania

If you are experiencing unexplained and frequent headaches and want relief, contact the experts at Advanced Medical Clinic. We have a wealth of experience treating all types of headaches and would love to help you find relief.

Call (561) 434-1935 to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.

How to Manage Your Migraines

There are headaches. And then there are migraines. Migraines can cause moderate to severe pain that can be affected by your diet, stress, medications, sleep patterns or environmental factors like certain odors, altitude changes and weather. Because there is no cure for migraines, the best way to manage them is by familiarizing yourself with your unique set of triggers. This way you may be able to not only manage your migraines, but also reduce or even pre-empt them from occurring. Here are some ways how.

Eat well and don’t skip meals

Eating sporadically, skipping meals, or eating foods that are loaded with MSG, fats and sodium, can trigger migraines. Your best bet is to stick to whole and natural foods that are unprocessed, lower your sodium intake, stay hydrated and don’t skip meals. Avoid pickled or marinated foods, as they are loaded with salt and additives; likewise, avoid alcohol.

Try Coffee

Many people report that a cup of coffee can offset migraine symptoms. If a cup of coffee helps, drink it early in the day so you don’t lose sleep at night.

Scent-free Zones

While it’s hard to avoid every triggering scent – especially if you work in an open office or ride public transportation – there are ways to reduce their triggers, especially in your home. Opting for scent-free cleaning supplies and detergents, bath and beauty products, and candles is a good start. Ask friends and guests to respect your scent-free home by not wearing perfume on visits; also speak to your human resource office at work to see if they have a scent-free office policy.

Medications

Certain medications you may be prescribed can trigger migraines. If you feel this is the case, be sure to speak with your doctor to see if there are other medications or strategies you can use to reduce or eliminate this trigger.

Hormone Changes and Medication

The hormonal changes associated with menstruation and menopause and the medications used to treat them may trigger migraines. The same goes with the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy. Again, speak to your doctor for alternate medications or strategies to minizine the frequency of migraines.

Stress

Stress is a huge trigger; that said it’s not always easy to eliminate all stressors in your life. However, you may consider increasing your exercise levels and focus on wellness to reduce stress levels.

Maintain Adequate Sleep Levels

Not getting enough sleep or constantly changing your sleep schedule can result in migraines. Try to find enough time to get restful sleep at regular hours to reduce your risk of getting migraines.

Sensitivity to Light

Bright lights, glares and fluorescent lighting all can have their effects. That’s why light sensitivity is one of the many reasons those with migraines develop “auras” – seeing flashes or flickering light in the form of stars, spots or halos. If possible, opt for natural lighting. Use computer screen filters to reduce glare. And consider getting an eye check-up, as your migraines may be the result of an eye issue or need of a new glasses or contact prescription.

Changes in Weather, Seasons or Pressure

Many people experience migraines as the barometric pressure drops, or during change of seasons. Understanding how your body adjusts to these changes – and when they occur in your area – can help you prepare for the possibility of migraines.

Know Your Triggers

Before your migraines take full hold, look for any signs such as mood changes, frequent bathroom breaks, random food cravings, and increased sleepiness. If you notice any of these symptoms, find a comfortable space that works for you – it should have dim natural lighting, is quiet and is comforting.

Primary Care in Wellington & Royal Palm Beach

No one should have to deal with migraines. If you are looking for expert medical care that can help you manage your symptoms, then it’s time to reach out to Advance Medical Clinic. With expertise in primary family and internal medicine, our expert providers are caring and compassionate, offering personalized care to you and your loved ones.  If you are experiencing a migraine or its symptoms, or are looking to work with a primary care physician for any reason, seek out an expert. If you live in or around Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, call Advanced Medical Clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

What Causes Headaches?

Not only are headaches a nuisance, they can also bring your busy day to a screeching stop. While most headaches are not a sign of serious illness, there are some that can be due to life-threatening conditions. For this reason, it’s best to consult your doctor if you have a headache that is excruciating, persistent, and out of the ordinary.

Determining the cause of your headache helps doctors recommend the appropriate treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Here are the most common types of headaches and what causes them.

Tension Headaches

A very common type of headache people experience is a tension headache. It is characterized by a constant dull pain on one or both sides of the head that lasts at least 30 minutes. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and sounds, tenderness in the face and neck, and pressure behind the eyes. This type of headache responds well to NSAIDs and does not usually restrict you from doing other activities.

Tension headaches are usually caused by triggers like hunger, dehydration, inactivity, lack of sleep, eye strain, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is characterized by a piercing and burning sensation in or around the eyes and a non-throbbing pain typically on just one side of the head. It is usually accompanied by watery eyes, swollen eyelids and debilitating pain. Cluster headaches can repeatedly come back for a few months at a time. The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known, but tests have shown activity in the hypothalamus during a cluster headache attack. 

Hormonal Headaches

This type of headache is related to changes in hormone levels that are linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menstrual migraines do not respond well to NSAIDs once the headache starts, which is why treatment usually involves preemptive pain relief. Hormonal headaches may occur during ovulation, which is usually due to the fluctuation of estrogen levels. The symptoms are similar to that of a migraine and the pain can be severe.

Migraines

A migraine is categorized as a primary headache. It is characterized by throbbing pain usually occurring on one side of the head. A person experiencing migraine is highly sensitive to bright lights, sounds, and smells, which is why nausea and vomiting usually accompany migraines. Some migraine sufferers experience an aura before the migraine manifests. The aura can last for an hour in some cases.

Doctors do not fully know the cause of migraines, but there is evidence that genetics play a role. People with relatives who suffer from migraines have a higher risk of getting migraines, as well.

Headache Treatment in Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, we provide a variety of treatment methods to effectively relieve the symptoms of headaches.

With a combination of compassionate care, medication, and lifestyle changes, we can help make your headaches less severe or prevent episodes altogether.

We want you to achieve a better quality of life, and we do this by offering a high standard of primary and urgent care. If headaches are preventing you from living your life, call (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment now.

When To See a Doctor for Your Headaches

Headaches aren’t just caused by crying kids, irritating people, or a bad day.

If you have persistent headaches, it can seem like you can’t catch a break. If you’re experiencing headaches 15 days or more a month and you’ve been experiencing them for over three months, you’re suffering from chronic or persistent headaches.

You may become so used to having headaches that you don’t know when it’s time to see your doctor about it. Here are some signs to be aware of to help you determine when it’s time to seek medical help for your headaches.

3 Primary Types of Head Pain

There are three main categories of head pain that you may experience.

The most common type of headache are tension headaches. These can cause mild, moderate, or severe pain in the head, neck, and behind the eyes. The pain can feel like a tight band around the head, or it may be focused at the base of the skull, just atop the neck. These headaches may seem to come out of nowhere and stay for a few days.

One of the most recognizable forms are migraine headaches. It’s commonly felt on one or both sides of the head. It can take the form of painful or unpleasant pulsing or throbbing sensations that are moderately to severely painful. It may be accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to light.

Cluster headaches typically occur on one side of the head only. These headaches occur in patterns or clusters, and the pain can be excruciating. It may be centered around one eye, and the pain of a cluster headache can wake you from sleep.

When To See a Doctor

While it may be inconvenient or you may feel a bit foolish seeing a doctor about your headaches, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Any unusual, significant, or persistent headache pain warrants a visit with your primary care doctor. At the very least, seeing your doctor can alleviate any anxiety about whether the headaches indicate a more serious disorder.

These symptoms indicate that you should make an appointment to see your doctor about your headaches: If you experience three or more headaches per week, the headaches keep getting worse and won’t go away, you need to take a pain reliever every day or almost every day to combat the pain or are taking more than two to three doses of over-the-counter pain reliever medications per week to feel better and are noticing the headaches affecting your daily routines or ability to be with your family, work or social life.

If your headaches are accompanied by symptoms such as sudden weakness, dizziness, loss of balance and falling, numbness or tingling, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Difficulty speaking, sudden confusion, seizures, and personality or behavioral changes, blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots all constitute a medical emergency.

If you’re dealing with moderate to severe headaches, whether chronic or occasional, you can get the help you need from the friendly staff at Advanced Medical Clinic. We are ready to help bring you pain relief. Learn more about our primary care services by calling our office at (561) 434-1935. Schedule your appointment over the phone or use our secure online appointment request form.

Headaches in the Summer

People who have chronic headaches may notice that they can worsen during the summer months, especially for those who suffer from migraines. Researchers still haven’t pinpointed the cause behind migraines, but according to the Migraine Research Foundation, researchers have concluded migraines are neurological disorders that involve nerve pathways and brain chemicals.

You may not suffer from migraine headaches, but if you find that headaches occur more often for you during the summer months, then summer headache triggers could be to blame. Here are some reasons why.

Allergens

Allergens that are present during the summer months pose a threat to persons suffering from headaches. Hay fever is big during summer and can cause headaches as it affects sinus nasal passages. Sinus headaches are characterized by facial pain, throbbing on one-side of the head and are exacerbated by light, especially sunlight. Headaches can originate in the sinus area, however; these types of headaches aren’t always diagnosed as sinus headaches and could be migraines. Seek a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Humidity

High humidity can trigger headaches for people who are prone to them. Think ahead. Your local weatherman or weather apps you can download to your phone are great resources for anticipating when you may have a headache brought on by humidity and other weather-related events. This will allow you to take preventative action before the onset of a headache. Ask your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medication before a headache occurs.

Barometric Pressure

As barometric pressure decreases the chance of a headache increases. Even a slight change in atmospheric pressure can trigger headaches, especially when it’s humid and stormy.  Headaches can also be caused by changes in altitude as folks fly away on summer vacation or hike vertically up hills and mountains. Also, there is more storm activity during the summer and this, in turn, can also be a trigger.

Summer Lifestyle

We have a tendency to enjoy a few lifestyle changes during the summer. More people take a vacation and even those who don’t take some time in the sun by the pool, on a summer picnic or at the beach. We also tend to cook outdoors and enjoy the company of friends. Basically, we take advantage of every waking hour of daylight to have as much fun as possible. We may have more fun, but the lifestyle change also affects our bodies. Balance your summer lifestyle to ward off headaches.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body is losing more fluid than it is taking in. Becoming dehydrated is extremely dangerous. In addition to triggering headaches, dehydration can cause serious problems, even death if not treated. Drinking water or Gatorade will keep dehydration at bay and headaches, too. Water is the best solution for restoring hydration. Never assume that alcoholic drinks can rehydrate you. In fact, they actually leave you dehydrated and cause pause pounding headaches.

Headaches are more common during the summer months, but Advanced Medical Clinic is your resource for good health and patient-centered care during every season. At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, we offer a high standard of primary and urgent care. Our comprehensive treatment options are designed to help you achieve a better quality of life through the management of many urgent and non-urgent conditions. As a husband and wife team, internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene understand what family health means and its true importance.

Avoid a headache! The friendly staff at Advanced Medical welcomes your call and looks forward to serving you. If you have any questions about our primary care services, please call our office at (561) 434-1935. To schedule an appointment, you can call us or use our secure online appointment request form.

Soothing Migraine Pain

Different types of headache pain, a tension headache being the most common, typically range from mild to severe. Headache pain usually occurs on both sides of your head, specifically in the areas of your temples, or radiating towards the back of the head or neck. Traditional headaches are classified as unpleasant, sometimes persistent or pulsating pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. We all have experienced headaches in our lifetime, but, it’s important to understand that a headache is not the same thing as a migraine.

Although a migraine and a headache can occur simultaneously, a migraine is more than just an ordinary headache. Having a migraine is classified as a neurological disease, meaning it affects the chemistry of our brain and how we are able to function.

When someone experiences a migraine headache, everyone is different, and therefore symptoms and severity of pain may vary. Symptoms can be similar to intense or severe headaches, that often occur with other co-existing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, eye pain, sensitivity to light or sound, seeing floating spots, temporary loss of vision, etc.

Migraines will usually only cause pulsating and throbbing pain on one side of an individual’s head, but it is possible that it can radiate, and both sides can be affected. This pain ranges from moderate to severe, depending on the person, but this pain is typically intense, persistent, and throbbing. This makes having migraines extremely difficult to live a normal life, and carry out daily tasks.

There are two main types of migraines, chronic or episodic, that occur with aura or without aura. An “aura” refers to the symptoms or sensations a person experiences before they get a migraine attack. The sensations typically occur anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before one occurs. Episodic migraines often turn into chronic migraines, which affect about two to three million people, meaning migraines that last 15 or more days per month for more than three months.

Physicians prefer to use the singular form of the condition — migraine, instead of the plural form migraines — because it is a disease that comes on as an attack, often persistent and frequently over time.

According to evidence-based research conducted by the World Health Organization, migraines are found to be one of the ten most disabling diseases throughout the world. Experiencing a migraine can profoundly impact an individual’s ability to carry out everyday activities like going to work, playing sports, and going to school. As a complex neurological condition, migraine headaches are often confused with traditional headaches, or misunderstood completely.

Therefore, if you are one of the 37 million Americans who may suffer from migraines and are looking for desperate answers on how to sooth your migraine pain, and all the other side effects and baggage that come with it, you have come to the right place.

Holistic approaches focus on the patient as a “whole,” meaning mind, body, and spirit. Today, most treatment methods created for migraines just aim at managing an individual’s symptoms, instead of addressing and getting to the bottom of what is actually causing the migraines to occur in the first place.

These causes or risk factors can be due to depression and anxiety, pain and other underlying disorders such as obesity, asthma, stress, head and neck injuries, certain medications, and hormone imbalances.

Today, medical providers are making it their goal to find the root or main cause of a patient’s migraines. Prevention is often the best treatment for someone experiencing frequent migraine headaches. Examples of preventive methods include:

·       Diet changes: eliminating foods known to cause headaches, like alcohol and caffeine.

·       Taking medication: anti-nausea medicine, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen and an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin can all ease the symptoms of migraine headaches.

·       Reducing stress and anxiety is crucial and can be done by exercising regularly and utilizing coping methods.

To learn more about migraines and how to soothe the pain you may be experiencing, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.