How Do I Know If It’s a Migraine?

Until you’ve experienced a migraine headache, it can be difficult to know the difference between it and other headaches. But migraines have specific symptoms and treatment protocols that make it easier for you to cope with them.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is more than just a headache; it is a neurological condition. In addition to intense and often debilitating headaches, there are several other symptoms someone with a migraine might experience, including nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, light sensitivity, vomiting, and sound sensitivity. Migraine symptoms can last for several days and the condition is hereditary. Additional symptoms of a migraine may start a day or two before the headache and nausea, including food cravings, irritability, neck stiffness, and yawning.

How Can I Tell a Migraine from Other Headaches?

In addition to the symptoms of a migraine headache, the type of pain is also different with a migraine compared to other types of headaches. Migraines tend to be pinpointed in one area of the head, last four or more hours (but often for days), and throb or pulse. Tension headaches are at the front and top of your head and have a dull aching pain accompanied by tenderness to the neck and shoulder muscles.  A sinus headache will be painful around your eyes and cheeks. To diagnose your migraines and get treatment, make an appointment with Complete Neurological Care in NYC.

How Are Migraines Treated?

There are a variety of OTC medications used to treat migraines as well as certain prescription pain medications. However, new studies are revealing that people who suffer from migraines and take pain medication to treat the migraine headache often suffer from “rebound headaches.”  The overuse of NSAIDs can cause liver damage as well. There are other options.

Botox for Migraines

Botox injections can often be used to relieve migraines. With Botox, your migraine doctor will inject the medication into specific sites in the head and neck. Within 10 days to two weeks, patients may notice a significant reduction in symptoms and fewer migraine episodes. Of course, the headache specialist will need to examine you to decide the best course of treatment.

Schedule a migraine and headache relief appointment today with Complete Neurological Care, located in Queens, Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Long Island, Upper West Side, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Our neurologists specialize in the preventions and treatment of headaches and migraine. We offer the skills and technology necessary to diagnose and treat common neurological concerns.