Migraine Specialist

Migraines rank as one of the most severe and long-lasting headaches. Along with throbbing pain, people with migraines often struggle with other symptoms like sensitivity to light and nausea. The doctors at Boerne Family Medicine have extensive experience helping people who experience migraines. Please don't hesitate to call the office in Boerne, Texas, or book an appointment online if you suffer from migraines. You can get a complete assessment and the best possible treatment to alleviate migraine pain and prevent future attacks.

Migraine Q & A

Migraines are one of the most painful types of headaches. They usually last from 4-72 hours, and after the headache subsides, you may have lingering symptoms.

While the cause of migraines remains unknown, they're likely related to changes in the brain and genetics. External factors such as fatigue, stress, caffeine, bright lights, missing a meal, and weather changes often trigger migraines. You also may inherit a susceptibility to specific triggers.

Migraines may begin as a dull ache, but then the pain builds. They commonly occur on one side of your head with intense pain concentrated near the temple, but the pain can spread to both sides.

During a migraine you may experience:

Worse pain when you move
Sensitivity to light, sounds, smell, or touch
Nausea and vomiting
Blurred vision
Lightheadedness

You may notice changes a day or two before a migraine starts, such as:

Mood changes
Food cravings
Neck stiffness
Increased thirst
Constipation
Frequent yawning
Aura

About 15% of people who get migraines experience aura, a warning sign that a migraine will begin soon. An aura lasts 20-60 minutes and often involves your eyes. You may have wavy vision or see flashes of light. You may also experience changes in speech, movement, or touch. For example, you may find it hard to talk, have uncontrollable movements, or feel tingling in your extremities.

After your migraine pain finally subsides, you may go through a 24-hour period when you feel:

Exhausted
Weak
Moody
Confused
Dizzy
Ongoing sensitivity to light and sound

A variety of medications are available to relieve migraine symptoms:

Pain-relieving medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help mild migraines. Your doctor at Boerne Family Medicine may recommend prescription medications. One group of medications, triptans, effectively relieve migraine pain. Another group, ergot medications, are often prescribed for pain lasting longer than 48 hours.

Preventive medications

You may be a good candidate for preventive therapy if you have four or more migraines a month, each attack lasts more than 12 hours, or your migraine symptoms include prolonged aura, numbness, or weakness. You take preventive medications regularly to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.