Caring for Migraines at Southcoast Health
Severe headaches, and more specifically, migraines, can significantly impact your daily life, emphasizing the need for personalized care and a comprehensive treatment plan. As a primary source of neurological care in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Southcoast Health Neurology is home to a diverse team of experienced doctors who provide specialized migraine care. We understand the complexities and lifelong care needs that are associated with migraine issues, which is why we’ve assembled a team of industry experts – including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, neuropsychologists, and pain medicine specialists – to help guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and condition management.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense headaches that cause throbbing pain, typically affecting one side of the head. A migraine headache is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, along with nausea or vomiting. Migraines can last hours or even a few days depending on their severity, making them disruptive to people’s lives and daily activities.
What are the Symptoms of a Migraine?
Patients often mistake migraines for common headaches, but when considering the severity and duration of their associated symptoms, you’ll find key distinctions between the two. While headaches can cause mild throbbing and pain in specific areas around your head, patients experiencing migraines can encounter a diverse range of symptoms that are often more severe.
The most notable forms of migraines include migraines with aura, migraines without aura, and chronic migraines. Distinguishing between each type of migraine is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment planning, as they each present patients with their own set of unique challenges.
| Migraine with Aura: This type of migraine is characterized by sensory and visual disturbances which can last up to 60 minutes. Key symptoms of migraines with aura include: | Migraine without Aura: Commonly referred to as a common migraine, this type of migraine lacks the sensory and visual disturbances you get with aura, but includes its own uncomfortable symptoms: | Chronic Migraine: Migraines are considered to be chronic when they are repeated, prolonged, and significantly impact a patient’s daily life. These episodes can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, featuring additional symptoms such as: |
| – Blind spots | – Dizziness | – Insomnia |
| – Confusion | – Extreme fatigue | – Mood changes or irritability |
| – Difficulty speaking or slurred speech | – Increased sensitivity to sound, light and smells | – Neck stiffness |
| – Flashes of light | – Nausea and vomiting | – Persistent head pain |
| – Ringing in the ears | – Throbbing or pulsing | – Swelling or the temples |
| – Tingling or numbness | – Trouble balancing or standing up | |
| – Vision loss |
What Causes Migraines?
Migraines are very common, affecting approximately 12-15% of the worldwide population. This severe form of headache can be caused by a complex mix of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Women are more susceptible to migraines than men, which may be due to fluctuations in estrogen levels, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Aside from various hormonal factors, causes of migraines vary from person to person and may include:
- Dehydration
- Environmental triggers (strong odors, loud sounds)
- Medications
- Overexertion
- Sleep changes
- Stress and anxiety
- Substances like caffeine or tobacco
- Sudden changes in weather
How are Migraines Treated at Southcoast Health?
At Southcoast Health Neurology, our team of industry-leading experts is committed to providing comprehensive migraine treatment that’s custom-tailored to fit your needs. We strive for excellence in our care, leveraging the latest advancements and insights to provide the best possible care for our patients. We offer a range of treatment options ranging from preventing a migraine or aborting one on the spot, including:
Insurance and Payment Options
At Southcoast Health Neurology, we accept most health insurance plans. A referral from your primary care provider may be required for neurology services. For more details regarding your coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly. Upon arrival for your first appointment with us, we ask that you present your insurance card and a valid form of ID. Payment is also required at the time of your visit.
Migraine Treatment at Southcoast Health
Those in the MA and RI area can begin their path towards effective migraine relief by scheduling an appointment with Southcoast Health today. We are dedicated to serving each of our patients with expert, compassionate care that draws on both the expertise of our specialists and the latest training and knowledge in the field of neurology. We want to help you get back to living your life to the fullest, free of migraines and the pain they cause. To schedule an appointment with a Southcoast Health neurologist, please contact the neurology location nearest you today.