This post was written by Dr. Andrius Giedraitis, Pain Management, Parkview Bryan Hospital.
Imagine being in the middle of your day—at work, with family or simply relaxing—when a sudden, throbbing pain strikes behind your eye. Light becomes unbearable, and sounds feel like a drumbeat in your skull. It's another migraine.
More than 39 million Americans live with this complex neurological condition. However, effective migraine treatment is available, and it starts with understanding your symptoms and options.
What is a migraine?
Migraines are more than "just bad headaches," although both types of headaches cause head pain. They are a neurological disorder that often presents as one-sided, pulsating pain lasting hours or even days.
Identifying the type of headache is critical to choosing the proper treatment. Some include:
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Migraine headaches with or without aura
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Tension-type headaches with tight, band-like pressure
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Cervicogenic headaches arising from the neck
Unlike tension or cervicogenic headaches, migraines often involve changes in brain chemicals and blood vessels.
Symptoms
In addition to throbbing unilateral discomfort, you may experience:
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
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Visual changes like flashing lights (aura)
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Brain fog, mood changes and food cravings
Many patients don't realize these early warning signs, called prodrome symptoms, can begin hours or days before a migraine attack.
Causes
Understanding your personal triggers can significantly reduce migraine frequency. Common culprits include:
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Stress and poor sleep
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Skipping meals or dehydration
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Hormonal shifts, especially in women
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Environmental factors like weather changes, bright lights or strong odors
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Dietary triggers such as alcohol, aged cheese, caffeine withdrawal and artificial sweeteners
Consider tracking your habits and symptoms in a headache journal to help you and your provider pinpoint patterns.
When to seek specialized help
If you experience more than four migraine days per month, or if your symptoms interfere with daily life, it's time to consult a specialist. Relying solely on over-the-counter medications may worsen symptoms through rebound headaches.
Migraines can mimic other conditions, so expert evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Treatment options
At the Pain Management Clinic at Parkview Bryan Hospital, we offer a comprehensive, personalized approach. Treatments include:
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Acute therapies: Prescription medications, nerve blocks and rapid-relief injection therapies
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Preventive strategies: Daily medications, Botox® injections (FDA-approved for chronic migraines) and CGRP inhibitors
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Lifestyle support: Physical therapy, stress management and sleep optimization
Take the first step toward relief
Living with migraines doesn't have to mean living in fear of the next attack. Our pain management team specializes in identifying your triggers, tailoring your treatment and helping you reclaim your life. Don't wait—schedule your migraine evaluation today.
At Parkview Bryan Hospital's Pain Management Clinic in Ohio, our team offers personalized and balanced care with no referral necessary. To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call 419-633-7343.
At PPG—Pain Management in Indiana, appointments are by referral only. If you suspect you need to see a pain management specialist, contact your primary care physician.
