A new way to manage migraines

Migraines are more than just a bad headache. While migraines can be different for each person who experiences them, they typically involve:

• Pounding, pulsing or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head
• Pain that lasts 4-72 hours
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Pain that can make it hard to go about your day
• Pain that gets worse with movement or physical activity

Migraine triggers vary. Keeping a headache journal can help you identify what triggers to avoid in the future.

Common environmental factors that can lead to migraines include:

• Hormone changes, including pregnancy, menstruation and menopause
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Stress
• Strong sensory stimuli, like flashing lights or strong perfume
• Sleep changes, including too much and too little sleep
• Intense physical activity
• Some medications, including some birth control or nitroglycerin
• Weather changes
• Certain foods, like aged cheeses or processed foods
• Skipping meals
• Food additives, like monosodium glutamate (MSG) or aspartame

Keeping a headache journal can help you identify warning signs of a migraine. If you take the appropriate medication at the first sign, it’s sometimes possible to prevent a migraine altogether.

Warning signs can start hours or even days before the migraine develops. Early (prodromal) migraine symptoms may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Yawning
• Irritability or moodiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Food cravings
• Constipation

Medications can reduce the symptoms of a migraine, but they don’t prevent them. You can try to prevent migraines by tracking symptoms and identifying triggers in a headache journal. Once you know your personal migraine triggers, it’s easier to avoid them and possibly sidestep a migraine.

Lifestyle changes can also help prevent migraines. Make sure you get enough sleep (not too much or too little), follow regular mealtimes, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. For more ways to help prevent and cope with migraines, talk to your medical provider.

You should talk to a medical provider about any new headache pain that is persistent or concerns you. Migraines can also mimic other conditions that can be life-threatening. If you experience head pain that is unlike previous headaches or that is associated with an injury, seek emergency medical assistance right away.

See your medical provider immediately or go to the emergency room if you notice any of the following:

• A sudden, intense headache that starts like a thunderclap, often described as the worst headache of your life
• A headache along with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness anywhere in the body
• Headache that starts after a head injury
• A long-term headache that gets worse after coughing, exercise, straining or sudden movement
• New headache pain in people over age 50

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for migraines costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor co-pays. Currently we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies, but you can use insurance for the prescription itself at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we enable you to choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to get the prescription filled. Prices for your medication will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.