Migraines

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes a wide range of symptoms but is most often associated with severe and disabling headaches. Migraine symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty speaking
• Numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Migraines generally last about four hours, but some can go on for as long as a week. The pain can be an intense, dull, and steady ache that usually affects only one side of the forehead, though it can sometimes be felt on both sides, or even shift back and forth.

What are the phases of a migraine?

Migraines symptoms have four distinct stages:

Aura

The aura stage occurs right before the attack, and its symptoms include:

• Vision problems, such as temporary loss of vision or seeing light flashes and bright spots
• Tingling sensation in your face, arms, or legs
• Trouble speaking clearly

It’s important to note that some migraine sufferers never experience the aura stage.

Postdrome

The final stage of a migraine usually affects your mood and feelings. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:

• Euphoria
• Fatigue
• Apathy

The postdrome phase is sometimes accompanied by a more mild headache.

Migraines different for everybody, with some people experiencing different lengths and intensities in each stage, or even skipping stages altogether.  

How are migraines treated?

Dr. Wallace is experienced in employing a wide range of treatment options to reduce and alleviate your migraine symptoms, such as Botox®, trigger point injections, and occipital nerve blocks.

Don’t wait to find relief from your migraine symptoms. Schedule an appointment today with the pain-relief experts at Central Oregon Spine & Sports. You can call the office or book a visit with the online scheduling tool.