Migraines & Headaches

What causes headaches and migraines?

Some common headaches have clear causes, for example, swollen sinuses when you have a cold or dehydration if you haven’t been drinking enough. One of the most likely causes of headaches is stress, which makes your neck and facial muscles tense.

Other headaches, especially severe and recurrent ones like cluster or ice pick headaches, have less clear causes. Research into migraines suggests a problem with the connections between your brain’s blood vessels and neurons (nerve cells). Genetics could also be a factor, as recurring headaches like migraines often run in families.

Other things that may contribute to having migraines include increased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) brain chemical levels, hormone imbalances (particularly related to menstruation), and your environment.  

How do migraines differ from other headaches?

With most headaches, the pain in your head is the only or main symptom. However, migraines cause numerous other problems, such as:

• Light and sound sensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sweating and trembling
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Visual disturbances

Visual disturbances include seeing wavy lines, dots, or flashing lights, and can happen in people who suffer migraines with aura. A migraine without aura doesn’t cause these disturbances.

Migraine symptoms are often so severe you can’t function normally. You may have to wait it out in a quiet, dark place for several hours or possibly days.

You might have migraines frequently or only rarely. Most people learn to recognize their triggers — things likely to set a migraine off, like chocolate, red wine, or stress.

What can I do about my migraines and headaches?

Preventing migraines and other headaches as much as possible is essential. For example, if you’re prone to tension headaches, learn stress management and massage techniques to reduce muscle tension. If you get migraines, identify your triggers and avoid them. Medications your Las Vegas Neurology Center provider might prescribe include:

• Triptans
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Divalproex sodium and topiramate (antiepileptic drugs)
• Dihydroergotamine 
• Lasmiditan 
• Ubrogepant 
• Chlorpromazine and other anti-nausea drugs
• CGRP antagonists
• CGRP monoclonal antibodies
• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) injections

Some of these medications are abortive, meaning they help to prevent migraines from developing. You might also need acute migraine drugs to treat pain when symptoms start. Preemptive treatments reduce your risk of migraines when triggers are unavoidable (like menstruation and exercise) and reduce migraine frequency.

Call Las Vegas Neurology Center or book an appointment online today for expert headache and migraine treatment.