Headache & Migraine Treatment in Annapolis
Migraine headaches are estimated to affect about half of the adult population and 12% of all Americans. Migraines most often occur in adults between 25 and 55 years old with women being three times more likely than men to suffer from Migraines. It is also ranked the sixth most debilitating disease in the world.
Symptoms of a Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache characterized by the following common symptoms:
Throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of head
Extreme sensitivity to sound
Extreme sensitivity to light
Nausea
Vomiting
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your headache, seek medical care immediately:
stiff neck, rash, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, fever, paralysis in any part of your body, vision loss, or if it is the worst headache you’ve ever had.
Phases of a Migraine
Prodrome
Characterized by irritability, food cravings, sensitivity to light/sounds, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle stiffness, nausea etc. This phase typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Aura
Characterized by visual disturbances, loss of sight or blind spots, ringing in ears, numbness/tingling on part of the body etc. This phase usually lasts no longer than 60 minutes.
Migraine Attack
Characterized by throbbing, described as “ice pick” feeling in the head, burning, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, sensitivity to light, smell, and sound, and neck pain/stiffness etc. Attacks can be for a few hours up to 3 days.
Postdrome
Characterized by inability to concentrate, fatigue, depressed mood, and lack of comprehension etc. This final phase typically occurs for 24-48 hours.
Migraines vs. Headaches
Technically a Migraine is a type of headache. There are over 150 different types of headaches however the most common headaches are Migraines, Cluster, Tension, and Sinus.
All headaches are classified into two categories, either primary or secondary headaches. A primary headache would be a headache that is not caused by another condition or illness. Secondary headaches are headaches that can be attributed to a specific condition, sickness, injury etc.
Different Types of Headaches
Allergy & Sinus Headaches
A secondary headache with sufferer’s experiencing pain in the face, sinus’s, eyes, ears, or forehead, congestion, itching, runny nose, fever, and/or facial swelling lasting anywhere from days to weeks depending if it is treated.
Tension Headache
A primary headache characterized by dull pain around the head, typically with pain concentrated on either side and pressure across the forehead which can last 30 minutes to several hours.
Cluster Headache
A primary headache that causes severe pain usually on one side of the head and focused around the eye accompanied by a constricted pupil, eyelid drooping, eye tearing, and/or a runny nose. These can last for weeks or months followed by a period of remission that can last a few months or several years.
Hormone Headache
A secondary headache that primarily affects women around their menstrual cycle and are triggered by hormone imbalances. Typically these headaches are felt on one side of the head and are severe, and can also be pulsing or throbbing and often are accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, light/sound/smell sensitivity, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision etc. Women who experience hormonal headaches typically suffer from them up to 3 days prior to their menstrual cycle and can last anywhere from hours to days.
What Causes Migraines?
There some commonly known triggers for migraines as well as risk factors.
Risk Factors for Migraines
Smoking
Poor Diet/Nutrition
Stressful Events
Alcohol Abuse
Existing Condition
Injury/Trauma
Common Migraine Triggers
Food Sensitivities
Caffeine
Chemical Exposure
Stress
Hormones
Alcohol
Weather Changes
Dehydration
Medication Side Effect
Light & Smells
FAQs About Migraines & Headaches
Are migraines curable?
Why do migraines start?
Do certain foods trigger migraine headaches?
How should I document my migraine headaches for my doctor?
Treatments for Migraines & Headaches
At Annapolis Pain Management we offer a variety of treatments for migraine relief as well as other types of headaches. The first step is a thorough examination to determine what risk factors you may have or specific triggers. Blood work and/or imaging may be ordered to further help determine the cause of your headaches. Other treatments we offer that may be recommended include:
TX360 Therapy
and more...
What Our Clients Say
“Love love love everything about this place. Everyone here is so amazing. When I came here I was at the end of my rope. I thought I had tried everything and did not want to take any narcotics. They were so thorough and patient with my diagnosis and development of a treatment plan. I have been pain free and no narcotics! Everyone here is like family genuinely caring and asking about you all the time. We are so lucky to have a wonderful treatment center right here in Annapolis. I HIGHLY and ENTHUSIASTICALLY recommend APM they are the BEST!!”
“I don’t give 5 stars often and this place deserves it. Not only do they treat the pain but they find the root cause of the problem to correct what’s causing the pain. Especially if you are honest and open with your pain and what’s ailing you, they know exactly what course of treatment is best for you. They work closely with you to get better and/or manage the pain. It will take some work on your end to follow the pain management plan developed for you, but it’s all worth it to get to your end goal. Added bonus is that everyone there knows you by your name and are so welcoming and helpful.”
“APM is very professional and responsive to the client’s needs. I appreciate how they have all the services in-house including professional evaluations, chiropractic, PT, imaging, etc. Staff is friendly and professional and the equipment is clean and well-maintained. 5 stars!”
