Migraine Specialist

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a severe, intense headache accompanied by throbbing in the temples, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Patients can experience them intermittently or suffer with them regularly for many years. A migraine is a chronic illness, but can be managed with careful treatment and preventative medicine. A warning sign known as an “aura” may occur before or at the same time as a migraine. Auras are symptoms of the nervous system. They are usually visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or wavy, zigzag vision. These can include flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling on one side of the face or in your arm or leg.

What triggers can activate migraines?

Migraines may be caused for a number of reasons. Though migraine causes aren't fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role. Some of the triggers which can make the headaches more likely to occur include:

• Alcohol

• Weather changes

• Lack of sleep

• Schedule changes

• Dehydration

• Hunger

• Certain foods

• Strong smells

• Teeth grinding at night

• Menstruation

Migraines can often go undiagnosed and left untreated. If you regularly experience signs and symptoms of migraine attacks, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches.

How are migraines treated?

At Neurology Los Angeles, help patients with frequent migraines by using the most advanced treatments available. The neurologists will diagnose your migraine based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. Migraines that are severe, frequent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms are best treated with preventative measures. This type of treatment usually involves a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle changes, vitamin supplementation, and daily prescription medications. Preventive medications can reduce the frequency, severity and length of migraines. Most migraines typically last a few hours to a couple of days and respond well to specific treatments.