Board Certification: Family Practice

Board Certification: Family Practice

This Month’s Topic: Migraines

Question: Dr. Kiskila, what are the “triggers” that may induce a migraine?

Answer: Almost anything can be a migraine trigger, but some of the most common triggers are stress, not eating, lack of sleep, pain, lights, sounds, alcohol, caffeine, smoke, menstrual cramps, certain odors, or foods.

Question: If I get a migraine, what is the best way to mitigate the pain?

Answer: Recognizing the migraine trigger and removing it can be helpful. Typically going into a dark, quiet room and trying to fall asleep helps relieve the pain. Over-the-counter migraine medicines that are often useful are Excedrin migraine, Ibuprofen or Tylenol. There are prescription medications to treat acute migraines and migraine symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Question: Are there ways to prevent migraines?

Answer: Keeping a migraine journal to help recognize triggers and then avoid them is helpful in preventing migraines. There are prescription medications taken on a regular basis to prevent migraines as well. Preventative therapy goals to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and to improve responsiveness to treatment can be discussed with your doctor.

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.