Emergency Room for Migraine Care

A migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by a pulsating headache that can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. It comes with symptoms like sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and vomiting. Some people might experience visual disturbances called auras, like zigzag lines or flashes of light, before or during a migraine. During a migraine, your brain’s lining gets an inflammatory signal that activates pain nerves, causing intense head pain. Managing migraines involves identifying triggers, using preventive meds, and over-the-counter relief when needed. Quick treatment is key if a migraine gets severe, because it can affect your overall body function. If you notice new or worsening emergency migraine signs, head to your local Surepoint ER right away for help.

Why migraines happen isn’t crystal clear, but researchers think some people might be more prone to them due to genetic mutations, changes in the brain from various experiences, and lifetime injuries. Yet, these factors aren’t the whole story. Lifestyle choices and environmental shifts, known as triggers, can up the chances of getting a migraine. Doctors have identified several common triggers that can kickstart migraines in people who are already susceptible to them. Understanding your triggers can help mitigate the risk of migraines. Common migraine triggers include:

• Eating specific foods or drinks with additives (such as aged cheeses, alcohol, smoked meats, caffeine, aspartame, and MSG)
• Stress
• Exposure to certain types of light
• Sensitivity to particular smells (like perfumes)
• Weather changes, including bright sunlight, extreme temperatures (heat or cold), high humidity, very dry air, windy or stormy weather, or shifts in barometric pressure
• Skipping meals or dehydration
• Hormonal changes, especially in women experiencing migraines before or during their menstrual cycle
  Infections
  Inadequate or excessive sleep

Heading to the emergency room for a migraine is often preceded by severe symptoms for days or even weeks. If your migraine symptoms are new or seem more serious than usual, it could be a sign that you need immediate medical care. When deciding whether to visit the emergency room for a migraine, consider:

• Your migraine hits with a sudden, intense headache, different from anything you’ve felt before.
• You notice signs of a stroke like weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• Your headache comes with a high fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
• You’ve had migraines before, but now you’re dealing with a new headache type that’s more intense or different.
• Despite trying self-care and the right meds, your migraine symptoms just keep getting worse.

If you’re experiencing loss of consciousness, uncontrollable nausea and vomiting, or any other severe migraine symptoms, don’t wait, head to the ER immediately. Take your symptoms seriously and seek assistance without delay. Visit the closest Surepoint ER near you for immediate care.

Migraine treatment generally falls into two buckets: stopping headaches before they start (preventive) and stopping headaches as soon as they occur (acute/abortive). Treatment options range from medications and therapies to lifestyle changes and home remedies. Each type of treatment plays a crucial role. Your healthcare provider might recommend a mix based on your symptoms, triggers, lifestyle, and overall health. The key is to use the chosen treatment right when the headache starts. Waiting too long makes it less likely for medication to work effectively. Common medications and treatments used to treat and prevent migraines include:

Medications to treat migraines

Pain Medications:

• Examples: Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), Bayer (aspirin)
• Good starting point for relief

Triptans:

• Type of anti-migraine drug
• Available as oral pills or nasal sprays
• Reduces headache symptoms

Ergot Alkaloids:

• Prescribed for severe migraine episodes
• Available only with a prescription

Preventive treatments for migraines

Lifestyle Changes:

• Maintain good sleep habits
• Follow a healthy diet with regular meals
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid suspected triggers
• Engage in regular exercise

Headache Diary:

• Document key details to identify triggers
• Include the day and time the pain started, recent food and drink, sleep patterns, emotional state, and activities

Botox® for Migraines:

• Typically used for facial wrinkles but effective for chronic migraines
• Works by preventing neurotransmitter release causing migraines

Nerve Blocks:

• Involves injecting local anesthetic (e.g., bupivacaine or lidocaine) into nerves linked with headache pain