Migraine Headaches
Anyone who suffers from migraine headaches knows how debilitating it can be. It often causes sensitivity to light, noise, nausea, fatigue, and even depression. The exact cause of migraine headaches is not yet certain. A migraine headache has many phases and can last days. The best way to treat a migraine is to prevent it.
The Stages of a Migraine Headaches
Prodrome Stage
A migraine headache can begin within a couple of days before the headache occurs. Symptoms may be difficult to recognize and can include fatigue, depression, mood swings, food cravings, increased yawning, and neck stiffness.
Aura Stage
Approximately a third of those suffering from migraines will experience the aura stage. This stage can last between 5 and 60 minutes before the migraine occurs. Those experiencing aura can experience periods of blurry vision, vision loss, flashing or shimmering lights, and the appearance of geometric shapes.
Attack Stage
Lasting from several hours to up to three days, migraine sufferers will experience intense, throbbing head pain. These attacks can vary — sometimes, the pain is mild, other times it can be debilitating. In addition to pain, other common symptoms include sensitivity to sound, light, and smell, an inability to sleep, nausea, and anxiety. Everyday activities can further aggravate the condition during this phase.
Postdrome Stage
Also called the “migraine hangover,” the postdrome phase can last from 24 to up to 48 hours. Unfortunately, symptoms during this phase can be just as debilitating as the migraine itself and include dizziness, fatigue, body aches, trouble concentrating, and a sensitivity to light. Some sufferers also report a euphoric feeling or feeling very fatigued. You may still experience a mild headache during this stage.
Being able to prevent a migraine from the beginning is the best way to treat it. Botox is an injectable medication that can prevent migraine headaches.
Botox Treatment for Migraine Sufferers
Unfortunately, migraines cannot be cured but there are treatment options available that have been shown to be quite effective. One such treatment is Botox for those who have 15 or more headache days each month. Botox works by preventing the nerves from releasing chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Substance P and CGRP are two neurotransmitters blocked by Botox that are key players in migraine headaches. Botox works by decreasing these levels.
Botox is injected in specific locations in the forehead, scalp, and neck. It can take up to 14 days after injection before patients experience migraine relief, which can last 90 days on average. Often, patients report that the severity, duration, and frequency of their migraine headaches are significantly improved with Botox treatment. In a recent study, participants reported more pain-free days each month and cut down the total number of headache days.
Janerich Pain Specialists Can Help With Your Migraines
If you suffer from migraines and are interested in learning more about Botox treatment, it’s important that you visit a pain specialist who has the knowledge and experience in working with this treatment. Dr. David Janerich completed fellowship training specifically with neurotoxins to help patients experience migraine headache relief and understand the finesse it takes to administer these injections properly.
Start living more pain-free days. Schedule an appointment with Janerich Pain Specialists and get started on your Botox treatments today.
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Real Clients...Real Stories
I was recently referred to Dr. Janerich by my podiatrist regarding chronic pain in my knees that I have suffered from for years due to osteoarthritis. I have had pain in my knees since I was 38 years old; I am now 65.
I have tried a multitude of treatments. Among them: Laser treatments, physical therapy, Synvisc injections by an Orthopedic doctor, acupuncture and serious pain pills, along with hundreds of dollars of supplements that promised to turn me into Wonder Woman. [That never happened] No former treatments ever gave me any long-lasting relief. When I saw Dr. Janerich, he gave me something I hadn't experienced in years, "HOPE".
He offered me a nerve block procedure to ease my pain and other options for longer term relief. He was patient and thorough. I never knew there was a bridge treatment between the Synvisc injections and total knee replacements.
So far, the nerve block has been working like a miracle. I may never run a marathon, but I feel so much better. My outlook is positive and I am sure glad I went for this treatment.
Dr. Janerich's staff is friendly and personable. I would recommend anyone to come to this office for pain relief.
— Alice
Approximately 20 years ago, I had a work related injury that resulted in serious injury to both my upper and lower back also affecting my legs. There have been many times that the pain in my legs was so severe that I didn't even think they would hold me up.
After endless visits to chiropractors, acupuncturists and physical therapists I still ended up with limited or no relief. In some cases it actually made my pain worse.
I went to see two surgeons from The University of Philadelphia who told me that I would need several surgery's and even if everything went perfectly I would still only have about 50% relief. They told me that we all have our crosses in life to bear and that I should consider this mine. They felt the risk and recovery from multiple surgery's would not be worth any minimal reward. I was so discouraged and resolved to the fact that there was no choice but to live with this debilitating pain. I didn't want to take pain killers as they would only mask the pain for a short time and I would just have to keep taking them. This was not an option for me. I took Tylenol and tried to aggravate my back as little as possible.
Anyone who has a back injury or chronic pain knows exactly what I'm talking about. You still have to live your daily life in spite of it. I became very depressed believing that this was just how it was going to be.
About three months ago, I began treatment with Dr. David Janerich. He introduced me to new options and procedures which aren't regularly practiced or even recognized in our area that might help with my chronic pain. I figured, what do I have to lose.
After several injection treatments, for the first time in 20+ years I finally have received considerable relief. I am able to perform my normal daily functions with little to no pain. Things that people normally take for granted were now possible. My leg pain is totally gone
now and any back pain I have is minimal. I never thought that this would have been possible for me.
His entire staff have been great. They handled all necessary paperwork and pre-authorizations from the insurance company. They are all compassionate and truly care about their patients.
Dr. Janerich's dedication in helping his patients obtain a life without severe chronic pain is second to none. I would highly recommend that anyone who was in my condition give him the opportunity to use these same procedures and change their lives as well.
—Robert