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.

woman holding head
woman suffering from migraine headache

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

Phase 1

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.

Phase 2

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. 

Phase 3

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. 

Phase 4

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

woman getting head massaged

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:

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