What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals. Migraines typically cause severe throbbing on one side of your head along with additional symptoms that can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme sensitivity to light or sound
- Temporary loss of vision
- Visual disturbances, like halos, flashing lights, or spots
When you have a migraine, your symptoms can last for a few hours or days. They can also vary in severity from mild to incapacitating.
What causes a migraine?
Several factors can trigger a migraine, including:
- Certain foods, like aged cheese
- Food additives, like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and aspartame
- Highly caffeinated beverages or wine
- Hormonal fluctuations in women
- Too little or too much sleep
- Intense physical exertion
- High stress at work or home
- Sensory stimuli, like strong smells or bright lights
- Certain medications
- Changes in the barometric pressure or weather
You’re also more likely to have chronic migraines if you’re a woman or have a family history of the disorder.
How are migraines treated?
Dr. De La Torre treats migraines by working closely with you to identify your potential triggers so you can develop a strategy that includes prevention. This comprehensive, whole-body approach often includes lifestyle modifications, such as:
- Eating regularly
- Avoiding food triggers
- Getting adequate sleep
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Practicing stress management techniques
Based on your triggers and the frequency and severity of your migraines, Dr. De La Torre might also recommend other therapies, like Botox® injections.
How is Botox used to treat migraines?
Botox is the medical formulation of a naturally occurring neurotoxin that’s FDA-approved to treat chronic migraines. This type of medication temporarily keeps your muscles from contracting.
When injected near the pain fibers associated with chronic migraines, Botox enters the nerve endings and prevents them from releasing the chemicals that send pain signals to your brain.
Dr. De La Torre uses Botox to prevent chronic migraines from starting. To be effective, he generally recommends having regular Botox injections every 12 weeks. Each treatment usually takes about 20 minutes, and you can expect to see fewer migraines after two or three treatment cycles.
To learn more about migraine treatments and Botox, call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.
