Migraine Treatment

Migraine Attacks

The attack phase is the main stage of a migraine, the painful phase that includes the headache and other symptoms. It typically lasts anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if it continues untreated. The frequency of migraines varies, some people experience them on rare occasions, others may have them several times a month.

During a migraine attack, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Throbbing, pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head
• extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells
• worsening pain during physical activity
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain or heartburn
• lightheadedness
• blurred vision
• loss of appetite
• fainting

Many people who experience migraine attacks will seek a quiet, dark place to lie down to avoid sound, light and movement which may make a migraine more painful. This is a characteristic of migraines that differs from other types of headaches. Some people find that sleeping for a few hours may help to end a migraine attack.

Treatment for Migraines

For some people, over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to relieve their symptoms, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and Excedrin (aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine). Those whose symptoms don’t respond to over-the-counter medications should reach out to a top migraine specialist, a neurologist specializing in migraine treatment in Bakersfield, CA.

It is important to have your migraines properly diagnosed to find the proper treatment plan. California Neurology Institute use their expertise as a migraine specialist to accurately diagnose and treat your migraines. When you meet with our doctors in Bakersfield, California, they will thoroughly review your specific medical history and symptoms, conduct a tailored neurological exam, and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Neurological exams could consist of a CT scan, MRI, or EEG depending on your specific symptoms.

If you are experiencing at least six migraines per month, or experience three per month that severely interfere with your daily activities, then one of our migraine specialists in Bakersfield, CA, Dr. Virdi, may recommend the following preventative medications to reduce your migraine symptoms:

1. beta-blockers, such as propranolol or timolol, for high blood pressure or coronary diseases
2. calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil, for high blood pressure
3. tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, for controlling serotonin and other chemicals in your brain
4. antiseizure drugs, such as valproate (in moderate doses)
5. pain relievers, such as naproxen
6. CGRP antagonists, a new class of drugs approved to prevent migraines

As with all medications, there may be side effects experienced. You should also speak with your migraine specialist about lifestyle changes that can help decrease migraines. Some of those lifestyle changes include ensuring you receive adequate sleep, avoiding certain foods that may trigger attacks, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking. Some people also seek alternative treatments for migraines, such as acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, herbs, riboflavin (B-2), and magnesium supplements.

If you are experiencing migraines, then contact the top migraine specialist in Bakersfield, California, Maheep Virdi, MD. Migraines can be debilitating and the sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment, the faster you will experience relief from migraine symptoms. Contact California Neurology Institute for a neurologist specializing in migraines in Bakersfield, California.