Migraines: Causes, Risk Factors, And Treatment Options
They can begin with a whisper, a small sign that no one else might notice as problematic: a flash of light; maybe a twinge of nausea. Anyone who suffers from migraines watches for these warnings of an impending attack, as they know the intense, debilitating pain and disruption of life that the headaches can cause. Some patients we meet have tried almost everything to relieve the pain, with little luck. At Alate, we utilize a different approach to migraine treatment, one that targets the pain at the source and provides real relief for your chronic pain.
WHAT ARE MIGRAINES?
Migraines are more than just headaches. They are classified as a neurological disorder involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals. For most, they cannot simply be treated with regular pain medication. In fact, severe pain is often only one of its symptoms. Migraines can also be accompanied by nausea, numbness and tingling, sensitivity to light, dizziness, difficulty speaking, and more. Duration can range from four to 72 hours. As sufferers can attest, migraines can encompass several phases, from the beginning “aura” stage, with visual disturbances, all the way to the actual headache. Even after a migraine ends, after-effects can persist, which some describe as close in nature to a hangover.
WHAT CAUSES OR TRIGGERS MIGRAINES?
Migraines tend to run in families. Despite the genetic component, environmental factors contribute to their occurrence. The most easily detectable triggers are food and drink, and these can include cheese, chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruit, and dairy, as well as other things such as sulfites, MSG, and aspartame. Things that interrupt your normal rhythm such as stress, crying, or missed sleep could cause a migraine to surface. And some factors beyond your control, such as changes in weather and hormone fluctuations, could unearth a migraine.
HOW IS TREATMENT DIFFERENT AT ALATE?
If you have tried in the past to treat your migraines without success, you’ve come to right place. Our focus at Alate Health involves minimally-invasive solutions that enable to you move past your pain and focus on what’s important in your life. For migraines, we offer the SphenoCath® SPG blocking procedure, a revolutionary approach that provides relief right at the source of the pain. It is a simple outpatient procedure that is painless and offers immediate relief.
You don’t have to suffer with chronic migraines. Relief is possible with Alate Pain Center. Give us a call today!