Migraines

Migraine pain can strike when you least expect it. At Advanced Pain Institute in Arcadia, Encino, and Pasadena, California, interventional pain specialist Isaac Michael MineHart, MD, uncovers the cause of this potentially debilitating neurological disease to help you find lasting relief from migraine pain. Call Advanced Pain Institute today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about migraines and other chronic headache conditions.

What are migraines?

A migraine is a neurological disorder that causes intense, throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting. More than a headache, a migraine can be a full-body experience that interferes with your quality of life. 

Migraines can sideline you from work, school, and even from interacting with family and friends.

At Advanced Pain Institute, Dr. MineHart also treats cervicogenic headaches, which can mimic the symptoms of a migraine. A cervicogenic headache begins in the neck and usually stems from repetitive strain and motion.

What are the different migraine stages?

There are four migraine stages:

Prodrome

In the days before your migraine begins, you may start to experience constipation, new food cravings, frequent urination, and a stiff neck. These symptoms are often subtle and easy to miss.

Aura

The aura phase of a migraine causes flashes of light, brightness in your field of vision, and even a pins and needles sensation in your arms or legs. This can happen before or during your migraine attack.

Attack

Once the attack phase starts, the throbbing pain in your head can be debilitating. While this pain is typically one-sided, it can affect both sides. Many people with migraines can also experience nausea and sensitivity to light or sound during the attack phase.

Postdrome

The final stage of a migraine may leave you feeling depleted and drained. It’s important not to overexert yourself during the postdrome phase, as too much movement can trigger another attack.

What causes migraines?

Medical experts believe that migraines stem from the central nervous system. Faulty nerve signals, blood vessels, and chemicals in the brain may cause migraines. 

These painful headaches may also have a genetic component. You’re more likely to experience chronic migraines if a close relative also suffers from them.

Many triggers can also lead to migraine pain, such as:

• Caffeine
• Poor sleep quality
• Stress
• Menstruation
• Alcohol
• Excessive heat or humidity
• Chocolate
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dairy products
• Dehydration

Certain medications, such as opioids, can also trigger a migraine when used too frequently.

What are the treatments for migraines?

Dr. MineHart works with you to develop an individualized migraine treatment plan that may include:

• Muscle relaxants
• Trigger avoidance
• Dietary changes
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Nutritional supplements
• Lifestyle changes
• Nasal sprays
• Beta-blockers
• Antidepressants
• Stress management
• Sphenopalatine block (and other stellate blocks)

Dr. MineHart offers reasonable pricing for all patients, and is happy to serve both lien patients and personal injury patients. Call Advanced Pain Institute today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about migraines.