What Causes Migraines?

Migraines can interrupt your enjoyment of life. The pounding and continuous throbbing can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else. Dr. Ali Nairizi at Reno Tahoe Pain Associates in Reno, NV, offers a full range of medical and pain management services, including diagnosis and treatment of migraines.

What You Need to Know about Migraines

Migraines are severe headaches that typically occur on one side of your head. These severe headaches can cause other unpleasant symptoms including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Extreme sensitivity to light

You are at increased risk of developing migraines if you:

• Are a woman, making you three times more likely to experience migraines
• Are in your 30s, when the incidence of migraines is most common
• Are experiencing hormonal changes, with women suffering migraines around their hormonal cycles
• Have a family history of migraines, making it more likely you will suffer from migraines

There are a few factors which can trigger a migraine headache, including:

• Salty or processed foods
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Food additives including sweeteners and preservatives
• Drinking alcohol or excess caffeine
• Experiencing excessive stress
• Bright lights, glare, or loud sounds
• Changes in your sleep patterns
• Changes to your environment
• Vasodilating medications or oral contraceptives

Your pain management doctor has several medication options to treat migraines, including:

• Blood pressure-lowering medications
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medications
• Injections of monoclonal antibodies
• Triptan medications
• Prescription pain relieving medications

For chronic migraines, your pain management doctor may also recommend Botox injections, which work by temporarily freezing the nerves and muscles at the injection site.

Your pain management doctor may also recommend lifestyle modifications, including:

• Dietary and nutritional planning
• Environmental modifications
• Stress reduction techniques

Talk with Your Pain Management Doctor Today

To learn more about the causes and treatments of migraines, call Dr. Ali Nairizi at Reno Tahoe Pain Associates in Reno, NV. You can reach him in the office by calling (775) 384-1127, so call today.