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Hospital Hall

MIGRAINE

  • A migraine can be divided into four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Each stage has unique symptoms.

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    Symptoms of prodrome:

    • Constipation

    • Mood changes, ranging from depression to euphoria

    • Food cravings

    • Neck stiffness

    • Frequent urination

    • Fluid retention

    • Increased yawning

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    Symptoms of aura:

    • Visual phenomena, or seeing shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light

    • Vision loss

    • Difficulty speaking

    • Feeling of pins and needles sensations in the arm or leg

    • Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body

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    Symptoms of attack:

    • Pain on one or both sides of the head

    • Pain that throbs or pulses

    • Sensitivity to light, sound, and possibly smell and touch

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

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    Symptoms of post-drome:

    • Feeling drained

    • Confusion

    • Weakness

    • Feeling elated

    • Brief pain caused by certain movements

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    Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

    • An abrupt, severe headache that feels like a thunderclap

    • Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness, or weakness in part of the body (this could indicate a stroke)

    • Headache after a head injury

    • Chronic headache that worsens after coughing, exertion, straining, or sudden movement

    • New headache pain that emerges after age 50

  • A migraine may be triggered by:

    • Hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in estrogen

    • Hormonal medications

    • Alcoholic drinks

    • Caffeinated drinks

    • Stress

    • Bright or flashing lights

    • Loud sounds

    • Strong smells, such as paint thinner, secondhand smoke, and perfume

    • Changes in sleep patterns

    • Intense physical activity

    • Changes in weather

    • Medications, such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators

    • Processed foods and aged cheeses

    • Skipping meals

    • Food additives, such as sweeteners and preservatives

  • Patients suffering from migraines can experience lasting pain relief after treatment with injections and pain management techniques.
     

    A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at Premier Urgent Care include nerve blocks and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they might benefit from a joint and soft tissue injection.
     

    Pain management techniques can also help patients minimize pain and alleviate their migraine. Techniques may include cold and heat therapy, deep breathing exercises, cognitive behavior therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

  • Migraines caused by underlying health conditions may require advanced treatment. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.

A migraine is an extreme form of headache that may cause severe symptoms lasting for hours to days at a time.

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