Headaches

Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, debilitating headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and sound. While the exact cause is still unclear, factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, hormonal fluctuations, and certain foods or beverages can contribute to its onset. Nowadays, the prevalence of migraine is increasing, possibly due to heightened stress levels, irregular sleeping patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes.

How Dr. Siraj Khan will help you with Migraine Headaches

• Comprehensive Assessment: Dr. Siraj Khan will begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your medical history, including your migraine symptoms, triggers, and previous treatments. This assessment helps him understand your unique condition and tailor a personalized treatment plan.
• Diagnostic Tests: Based on your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Siraj Khan may recommend diagnostic tests such as imaging scans or blood tests to rule out underlying conditions and confirm the diagnosis of migraines.
• Multimodal Treatment Approach: Dr. Siraj Khan employs a multimodal approach to migraine management, combining various strategies to provide comprehensive relief. This may include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture or biofeedback.
• Medication Management: Depending on the severity and frequency of your migraines, Dr. Siraj Khan may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent future attacks. These may include pain relievers, preventive medications, or specialized migraine drugs known as triptans.
• On-going Support and Monitoring: Dr. Siraj Khan provides continuous support and monitoring throughout your migraine treatment journey. He will regularly assess your progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and offer guidance on managing triggers and lifestyle factors that may influence your migraines.

Types of Migraine Headaches

• Migraine without Aura: This is the most common type of migraine. It involves moderate to severe pulsating headache pain that occurs without any warning signs (aura). Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Migraine with Aura: Some people experience specific warning signs, known as aura, before the onset of a migraine headache. Aura symptoms can include visual disturbances (such as flashing lights or blind spots), tingling sensations in the face or hands, or difficulty speaking.
• Chronic Migraine: Chronic migraines are defined as having 15 or more headache days per month for at least three months, with at least eight of those days involving migraine headaches.
• Menstrual Migraine: Some women experience migraines that are closely linked to their menstrual cycle. These migraines typically occur in the days leading up to menstruation or during the menstrual period.
• Cluster Headaches: While technically not migraines, cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They cause intense pain, usually around one eye, along with other symptoms like redness, tearing, and nasal congestion.

Symptoms Of Migraines:

Headaches can be warnings of more serious conditions. The following signs (what doctors find) or symptoms (what patients report) are reasons for concern: Headaches associated with other neurological (relating to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves) signs or symptoms (for example, diplopia [seeing double], loss of sensation, weakness, ataxia [clumsiness]); Headaches that have an abrupt onset (come on very fast); Headaches that do not go away, especially if they last longer than 72 hours; Headaches that first occur after age 55 years; Headaches that develop after head injury or major trauma; Headaches accompanied by a stiff neck or fever and Headaches in a person who does not have a clear family history of migraine headaches.

Causes Of Migraines:

No one fully understands the exact cause(s) of migraine headaches. Many experts think that a migraine begins with abnormal brainstem (a part of the brain) activity that leads to spasm (rapid contraction) of blood vessels in the cerebrum (main part of the brain) and dura (the covering of the brain). The first wave of spasm decreases blood supply, which causes the aura that some people experience. After the first spasm, the same arteries become abnormally relaxed, which increases blood flow and gives rise to migraine headache pain. Certain chemicals normally found in the brain (namely, dopamine and serotonin) may be involved in causing migraines. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters because they transmit signals within the brain. Neurotransmitters can cause blood vessels to act in unusual ways if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels are particularly sensitive to them.