Migraine

Migraines are often characterized by blinding headaches and other disabling symptoms. At Wesleyan Urgent Care in Owensboro, Kentucky, Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, and the team provide compassionate care for migraine episodes and help reduce the severity of symptoms for chronic migraines. Call the office today, or use this website to schedule an appointment if you suffer from migraines.

What are migraines?

Migraines are neurological disorders that often show up as intense headaches. A migraine headache usually develops on just one side of the head and is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sounds and light. 

Migraines can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be lessened. If you frequently get migraines, Sara and the team can help you with medications and lifestyle changes that may reduce the episodes you suffer each month.

What is the difference between headaches and migraines?

A headache is usually isolated to the head. Although it can cause widespread pain in the head, neck, and jaw, headaches don’t usually cause other physiological symptoms. 

Migraines typically affect just one side of the head and often trigger other uncomfortable responses in your neurological system. Migraines are often more intense than headaches and don’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments.

What are the symptoms of migraines?

Migraines cause intense, throbbing pain on one side of your head. This pain may be accompanied by:

• Mood changes
• Neck stiffness
• Difficulty speaking
• Weakness or numbness in the face
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and sounds

A migraine can leave you feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

How do you diagnose a migraine?

Sara and the team at Wesleyan Urgent Care evaluate your symptoms and your medical history. They also conduct a thorough physical and neurological exam. 

They’ll explain when your symptoms first started, how often they occur, and if there are any factors that seem to trigger them.

Usually, visual observation and symptom evaluation is enough to diagnose migraines. If needed, the team can order lab testing, an MRI, or a CT scan. These screenings can rule out other potential causes of your headache pain and symptoms like nutritional deficiencies, tumors, or brain damage.

How do you treat migraines?

Wesleyan Urgent Care customizes migraine care to you. Sara and the team take into account the frequency of your attacks, your triggers, and other health conditions. Their goal is to help relieve your pain and prevent future episodes.

Natural methods to help with migraines include stress management techniques, like deep breathing, medication, and proper hydration. The team may ask you to keep a headache diary to help you avoid triggers. Many patients find that certain food additives, alcohol, or environmental factors cause migraines to flare.

If these treatments don’t provide relief, the team might recommend prescription medications, like pain relievers, triptans, anti-nausea drugs, or antidepressants.

Get the migraine care you need from Wesleyan Urgent Care. Call the office, or use this website to set up an appointment.

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