Migraine Specialist

What is a migraine?

Migraines are a type of headache that typically affect one side of the head and occur in combination with a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light.

Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine. These symptoms often include visual disturbances like blind spots and flashes of light or tingling sensations in the arm, leg, or face.

Migraine symptoms can vary in severity and last from hours to days. In some cases, they’re so severe that they’re debilitating.

What causes a migraine?

The exact cause of a migraine isn’t known, but they’re typically due to environmental and genetic factors.

Several components can trigger a migraine headache, including:

• Foods and food additives
• Alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages
• Stress
• Strong smells or bright lights
• Getting too much or too little sleep
• Intense physical exertion
• Changes in weather

Certain medications, like oral contraceptives, can also trigger migraine headaches in addition to fluctuations in estrogen and women.

Your chances of having migraine headaches increase if you have a family history of the condition and are a woman.

How are migraines diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Firshein works closely with you to diagnose migraine conditions through a comprehensive physical and neurological exam where hi-tech meets personalized care. During your appointment, he also discusses your personal and family medical history and reviews your symptoms.

Based on your exam, Dr. Firshein might also recommend additional screenings that include:

• Blood tests to look for underlying conditions and toxins in your system
• MRI and CT scans to look for irregularities, infections, and other medical problems
• Spinal tap to check for bleeding in the brain or infection

In many cases, off-site blood drawing in the convenience of your home or office is available to ensure lab tests have been processed prior to your visit.

Dr. Firshein relies on a variety of therapies to control migraine symptoms and prevent future headaches. In addition to pain-relieving medications and lifestyle changes -- like relaxation techniques, diet, and exercise -- he also relies on alternative treatments, like IV therapy.

IV therapy focuses on providing valuable, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients on a cellular level. This therapeutic technique delivers nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids into your bloodstream through an IV. This powerful solution supports your cellular metabolism by increasing its nutrients and helping to clear excess metabolic waste products from your system.

For more information on migraine treatment, call the Firshein Center, or schedule an appointment online today.