At the Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin, we focus on helping you find relief from chronic migraines with personalized care and advanced treatments, so you can regain control of your life.
Are Migraines slowing you down?
Migraines can be incredibly debilitating, preventing you from performing daily activities comfortably, especially if the symptoms last for several days. The Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin is a state-of-the-art neurological center led by a team of expert medical providers who take a multidisciplinary approach to your headaches and chronic pain symptoms. We use the latest technologies to diagnose and treat your symptoms, helping you lead a pain-free life. If you suffer from chronic migraines, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our medical center for migraine treatment in Austin.
Migraine Treatment FAQs
What are migraine headaches?
A migraine is a type of headache that causes severe throbbing or pulsing sensations on one side of the head. The symptoms are usually accompanied by light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of migraine headaches usually progress through four stages, each leading to different symptoms — prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. The migraine headache may last for a few hours or even several days. There’s no permanent treatment for migraines, but we can offer medications and injections to alleviate the symptoms and make migraines less painful.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
Migraines are characterized by various symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration, typically affecting one side of the head. Migraines often progress through four stages—prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome—each presenting different symptoms. While not everyone experiences every stage, common symptoms include:
- Severe throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances or aura, such as flashes of light or blind spots
- Fatigue and irritability before or after the headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Neck stiffness or tenderness
- Mood changes, such as feelings of depression or euphoria
What causes migraines?
Migraines are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain chemistry and nerve signals. While the exact cause is not fully understood, several triggers and risk factors can lead to the onset of migraine headaches. These triggers vary between individuals, but common causes include:
- Hormonal changes in women
- Stress and anxiety
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Strong sensory stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises
- Certain foods and drinks, including alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods
- Skipping meals or fasting
- Dehydration
- Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
- Certain medications or birth control pills
- Genetic predisposition and family history of migraines
How are migraines diagnosed?
If you suffer from frequent headaches for extended periods, you may have migraines, especially if you also have a family history of migraine headaches. Our neurologists will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform numerous physical and neurological examinations to determine if you have migraines. If indicated, we will also perform MRIs and CT scans to rule out other possible sources of pain. After diagnosing migraines, our neurologists will curate a personalized treatment plan to manage the symptoms.
What are the treatments for migraines?
Our migraine treatment in Austin aims to alleviate the symptoms of migraine attacks, minimize future episodes, and reduce the discomfort during migraine headaches. Some migraine medications are taken during migraine attacks to alleviate the symptoms (pain-relieving treatments), and others are taken regularly to reduce the frequency of migraines (preventive treatments). Our neurologists will recommend the ideal treatments based on the severity, duration, and frequency of your migraine headaches.
Some of the migraine treatments and medications include:
- Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, to reduce headache pain
- Triptans, which block pain pathways in the brain
- Anti-nausea medications to alleviate nausea and vomiting during attacks
- CGRP inhibitors, a newer class of drugs targeting the proteins involved in migraines
- Botox injections for chronic migraines, approved for patients with frequent episodes
Can I manage migraines with lifestyle changes?
You can implement lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. These lifestyle modifications can play a critical role in migraine management and include:
- Adopting a regular sleep schedule
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation
- Keeping a migraine diary to identify and avoid personal triggers
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and staying hydrated
- Regular physical activity to improve overall health and reduce stress
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Establishing a routine for eating meals at consistent times
- Taking steps to improve posture and reduce neck strain
When should I see a doctor for migraines?
While occasional headaches can be managed with over-the-counter medications, frequent or severe migraines may require professional medical attention. You should see a doctor if:
- You experience more than four headaches per month
- Your migraines last longer than 72 hours
- Pain-relief medications are not effective
- Your symptoms include vision loss, speech difficulties, or weakness
- You have sudden, severe headaches that start without warning
- Your migraines interfere with daily activities or work
- You experience new or unusual symptoms, especially after age 50
If you notice any of these signs, consult a doctor or schedule a consultation at the Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
