Migraines Specialist

Neurology Diagnostics, Inc.

Adult Neurology & Electrodiagnostic Medicine located in South Dayton, Dayton, OH

Migraines affect more than 10% of the world's population, with regular attacks causing severe pain and distress. If migraine attacks are disrupting your life, Joel Vandersluis, MD, of Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. can help. At their offices in North and South Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Vandersluis and his team provide the most advanced forms of treatment for migraines, including the newest, most effective medications. Patients also have the opportunity to take part in clinical trials for new migraine therapies. Call Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. today to find out more or book an appointment using the online form.

937-224-8200

Migraines Q & A

What are migraines?

Migraines are a type of severe headache accompanied by a range of other unpleasant symptoms.

Migraine pain is intense, typically throbbing or pulsing, and affecting one part of your head. A migraine attack can last up to 72 hours if you don’t get any treatment. In addition to the pain, migraines cause nausea and vomiting and can make you sensitive to light and sound.

About a third of people who suffer from migraines can tell when one is coming because they get a warning in the form of an aura. Auras are visual disturbances that make you see zigzag lines or flashing lights. You may also suffer temporary sight loss.

What causes migraines?

Researchers are still carrying out studies into the causes of migraines, but recent findings point to a genetic cause related to abnormalities in brain function.

Migraine attacks do tend to have triggers, such as:

Stress
Anxiety
Hormonal changes
Bright or flashing lights
Lack of food
Lack of sleep
Certain types of food

Migraines are around three times more common in women than men, and in some women, migraine attacks may be triggered by changes in hormone levels during their menstrual cycle.

How are migraines treated?

There's no cure for migraines because there’s no clear understanding of how they work. However, Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. has a range of treatments to help prevent migraine attacks and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

You might benefit from newer medication like CGRP blockers to prevent migraines. These drugs work by blocking the activity of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide that's involved in migraine attacks. Another form of CGRP blocker can treat your migraine when it first comes on.

Other medications that can be helpful include:

Anti-seizure medicines
Antidepressants
Blood pressure medication
Botulinum toxin A
Sumatriptan
Ergotamine drugs
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Hormone therapy

There are other ways to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, too, including:

Stress management
Regular exercise
Biofeedback
Relaxation techniques
Regular meals
Drinking plenty of water
Consistent sleep patterns
Weight loss

Because identifying your migraine triggers can help you avoid them, it's a good idea to keep a record of everything you do and what you eat and drink.

At Neurology Diagnostics, Inc., you can also participate in clinical trials to test new treatments for migraines. For example, if you have a history of migraines, you could join a research program looking at the acute treatment of migraines. This involves having a one-time nasal spray following a migraine attack, after which you record the effectiveness of the procedure in an electronic diary.

To find out more, call Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. today or book an appointment online.