Migraines

Migraine headaches cause disabling pain and symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to visual disturbances. If you suffer from migraines, visit Dr. Farhad Elyaderani, at his offices in New Rochelle, New York. Dr. Elyaderani is an experienced, fellowship-trained neurologist specializing in diagnosing and treating headaches and migraines. Call the office to inquire about seeing Dr. Elyaderani for a migraine assessment or book an appointment online today.

What are migraines?

Migraines are recurring headaches that often cause severe, disabling head pain and other symptoms. While these symptoms vary between patients, they may include:

• Throbbing pain (frequently on one side of the head)
• Light, sound, and/or smell sensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating and trembling
• Weakness and fatigue
• Visual disturbances

Many people learn to recognize the signs indicating a migraine attack is coming. These vary for each person, but examples include food cravings, constipation, mood swings, and repeatedly yawning.

Migraine with aura affects around 30% of patients, causing them to see wavy lines, dots, and/or flashing lights. Aura usually begins before the pain starts. It may persist but often recedes when the headache sets in.

Some people have migraines infrequently, with years between attacks, while others experience them repeatedly. People with chronic migraines suffer from multiple attacks each month.

Why do I get migraines?

Migraine’s causes aren’t entirely understood, but research suggests a connection to trigeminovascular system dysfunction. The trigeminovascular system links your brain’s blood vessels and neurons (nerve cells).

Increased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in your brain, other brain chemical imbalances, hormone variations during a woman’s menstrual cycle, and your environment are also significant. Migraines frequently run in families, indicating a genetic link.

Migraines often have triggers — things or situations that increase your risk of a migraine attack. Common migraine triggers include:

• Red wine
• Cured meats
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Excessive stress
• Aged cheeses

Learning to identify your triggers helps you avoid them (where that’s possible), reducing the number of migraine attacks significantly.

What treatments help with migraines?

Potential treatments Dr. Elyaderani might recommend for migraines include:

• Ubrelvy (Ubrogepant) a CGRP receptor antagonist for Acute treatment
• Qulipta (Atogepant) a CGRP receptor antagonist for prevention of migraine headache
• Nurtec (Rimegepant) for acute or preventive treatment
• Triptan 
• Antidepressant medications
• Antiepileptic drugs like divalproex sodium and topiramate
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Trigeminal nerve block
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to reduce nerve activity

Some migraine drugs are abortive, meaning they help to prevent a migraine. Acute migraine medications taken as soon as you develop symptoms reduce their severity. Preemptive treatments help people with unavoidable triggers such as menstruation and exercise.

Call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani today or request an appointment using the online booking feature to receive expert migraine treatment.