Migraines Can Be Effectively Treated

Treatment for migraine headaches has come a long way in recent years. There are now FDA-approved prescription medications that can help prevent migraine from occurring. And certain medications can significantly reduce the pain and duration of an acute migraine attack.

Michael Newmark, MD, FAAN, a board-certified neurologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, explains that many people don’t realize that migraine is both treatable and preventable.

"We have prescription medications that can offer considerable relief,” he says. “But don’t ignore the warning signs, as most medications that target migraines must be taken in the early stages to be more effective.”

Migraines may exhibit symptoms prior to the actual headache. Early-stage symptoms may include blurred vision, blind spots, or seeing jagged lines. The exact cause of migraines remains something of a mystery.

“We do know that migraines are related to blood-vessel or electrical changes in the brain, which may be activated by triggers such as dehydration and allergic reactions to certain foods,” says Dr. Newmark. “Women seem particularly susceptible to migraines during hormonal fluctuations.”

Other triggers include red wine, sudden changes in weather, bright lights, and strong odors.

“I advise severe headache sufferers to see a neurologist. We can check for medical conditions that could cause their headaches, prescribe medications, help identify migraine triggers, and offer lifestyle strategies to help avoid them,” says Dr. Newmark.