Understanding migraine
Migraine symptoms
A migraine is a type of severe headache. It often causes throbbing or pulsing pain that can last for hours or even days. Migraines are more than a bad headache, and they can make it hard to work, care for family or enjoy your day.
Migraine symptoms differ from person to person. They may include:
- throbbing or pulsing head pain;
- sensitivity to light and sound;
- nausea or vomiting;
- an aura, such as dots or wavy lines that block part of your vision;
- tingling or numbness;
- changes in smell, taste or touch;
- fatigue;
- trouble speaking during an attack.
Some people have migraines once or twice a month. Others have them much more often. Chronic migraine means having migraines on many days each month, and it can disrupt daily life.
What may set it off
Common migraine causes and triggers
Doctors do not fully understand what causes migraines. Genetics and environment seem to play a role, and migraines often run in families. Many people notice triggers that set off an attack. Common ones include:
- hormone changes
- emotional stress
- physical causes such as lack of sleep or strain
- certain foods and drinks
- some medicines
- changes in the environment, such as bright lights
Neck tension can also be linked to headaches.
When to book a visit
When to see a pain specialist for migraines
Many migraines go undiagnosed and untreated, so an evaluation can be a useful first step.
Consider an appointment if your headaches:
- happen often or are getting more frequent;
- are severe or do not respond well to medicine you take on your own;
- keep you from work, school or family life;
- come with aura, numbness or tingling.
When to seek emergency care
Get emergency care right away for a sudden, severe headache that is unlike any you have had before, or a headache with a stiff neck and fever, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking that does not go away.
Your evaluation
How we evaluate migraines
Keeping a simple headache diary before your visit can help.
We listen
Your provider begins by listening and asks when your headaches started, how often they come, what they feel like, what seems to trigger them and what you have tried.
We examine
Your provider reviews your health history and medicines and examines you. Imaging or other tests are used only when they are needed to look for other causes.
We explain
You hear what may be causing your headaches and which options might fit. If a procedure is recommended, the team explains the steps, the possible risks and what recovery looks like before you decide.
Your care options
Treatment options for migraine
Treatment is tailored to you and aims to reduce how often migraines happen and how much they disrupt your life.
- Medication management Can include anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and other medicines, used carefully with your provider.
- Botox for chronic migraine Small injections around the head and neck that aim to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine.
- Occipital nerve blocks Place numbing medicine near the nerves at the back of the head.
- Occipital nerve stimulation A device-based option that is considered in some cases.
Our providers also treat occipital neuralgia, which is nerve pain at the back of the head. Not every option suits every person, and your plan is based on your evaluation. Keeping track of your triggers and making changes to sleep, food and stress habits can also help some people.
Common questions
Questions about migraine
Your provider can answer questions about your own care at your visit.
When should I see a doctor for migraines?
See a doctor if your migraines are frequent, getting worse, or not helped by medicine you take on your own, or if they keep you from work or daily life. A sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had, or a headache with fever and a stiff neck, confusion or weakness on one side of the body, needs emergency care.
What treatments do you offer for chronic migraine?
Treatment is tailored to you and may include medication management, Botox for chronic migraine and nerve-based options such as occipital nerve blocks. Your provider explains which options may fit after evaluating you. Call 214-618-9600 or book an appointment to talk about your migraines.
What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache?
A migraine is usually a severe, throbbing or pulsing headache that can last for hours or days. It may come with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or an aura. Tension headaches are usually milder, but the two can overlap. An evaluation helps tell them apart.
Clinical references
This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.