Migraines are more than just a headache; they come with their own unique set of side effects that include visual disturbances and vomiting. At Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC, a family practice located in Plant City, Florida, the team of physicians understands the pain and agony that migraines bring and can help you find a solution. To learn more about migraine treatments, call the office today or go online to schedule your initial consultation.
Migraine Q & A
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
Migraines are a unique type of headache associated with physiological changes in your brain and extreme pain. Beyond the pain, which people often describe as throbbing, other symptoms may accompany a migraine, including:
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
- Nausea and vomiting
- Worse pain with exertion
- Visual disturbances
Migraine headaches often occur on one side of the head or the other.
What are migraine stages?
Migraines occur in stages, but not every person experiences every stage with every headache. The four stages of migraines include:
Stage 1: Prodrome
Prodrome can start up to 24 hours before your migraine and is characterized by mood changes, frequent yawning, food cravings, and increased urination. If you can learn to recognize these symptoms and take a preventive medication, you may avoid the worst of the migraine.
Stage 2: Aura
The aura starts just before the migraine and is associated with sensory disturbances. You may see flashing, bright lights or get wavy lines across your vision. Although visual disturbances are the most common, you may also have oddities occur with your other senses.
Stage 3: The headache
Migraines gradually set in and increase in severity as time passes. They cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and may include nausea and sense sensitivity. They last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, although most end within 24 hours.
Stage 4: Postdrome
Postdrome occurs after the headache subsides and can last for 24 hours. You can consider it a migraine hangover. You may be tired, weak, and exhausted. You may feel confused and like you need to sleep.
How can I treat migraines?
Migraine treatment is most effective when you take a multidimensional approach. Learning to recognize headache triggers, such as sleep deprivation, and the warning signs of prodrome can help you avoid oncoming migraines.
For migraine pain, your doctor may prescribe a pain-relieving medication to reduce your discomfort during the headache. If your migraines occur frequently, they may also suggest taking a medication to prevent migraines from developing.
When migraines interfere with your life, it’s time to find a treatment that works. Call Family Medical Specialists of Florida today or go online to schedule.