Migraine Specialist in Duncan, Greenville, and Spartanburg, SC
Neurological Experts for Migraine Relief in South Carolina
Chronic migraines can significantly impact your daily life, interrupting your day-to-day life. Migraines are a complex neurological disorder that can cause severe, throbbing head pain, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light or sound. Unlike tension headaches, migraines can last for hours or even days. At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates (CONA), our Neurology Center is dedicated to helping patients find relief from migraines through personalized, comprehensive care.
Is My Headache a Migraine?
Migraine symptoms vary widely but can typically include intense, pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, sound, or certain smells.
Some people also experience aura, a sensory disturbance that can include visual flashes, zigzag lines in their field of vision, or tingling sensations, just before the onset of a migraine. At CONA, our team understands that migraines are not just severe headaches but a neurological condition that requires specialized care.
A headache is typically a mild to moderate pain that feels like a steady, pressure-like ache, often affecting the whole head or specific areas like the temples or neck. While headaches can be triggered by stress, dehydration, or poor posture, migraines are more complex, involving genetic, neurological, and environmental factors like hormonal changes or certain foods. Headaches tend to be less intense and shorter, while migraines can last hours or even days, significantly impacting daily life.
Some patients may get relief from headaches with over-the-counter medications or home remedies like a warm compress or a strong cup of coffee. However, patients experiencing migraines may not see any relief from home remedies and over-the-counter treatments.
What Causes Migraines?
While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Triggers can include hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, weather changes, and sensory overload. Some individuals may have a family history of migraines, increasing their likelihood of developing the condition. At CONA, our board-certified neurologists use a thorough diagnostic approach, including detailed patient histories, neurological exams, and, when necessary, imaging studies, to identify the specific causes and triggers of each patient’s migraines.
How Does CONA Treat Migraines?
Treatment for migraines at CONA is highly personalized, focusing on both acute symptom relief and long-term prevention. For immediate relief, patients may be prescribed medications that target the pain and other symptoms of an active migraine attack. Preventive therapies can include daily medications, nerve blocks, or innovative approaches like Botox injections for chronic migraines.
Our neurologists also emphasize lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction, dietary adjustments, and improved sleep habits, to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes. By creating a customized treatment plan, we aim to empower patients to take control of their migraine symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Should I See a Neurologist for Migraines?
It is essential to seek professional evaluation if your migraines are frequent, severe, or interfere with your ability to function. If over-the-counter medications are no longer effective or if your headaches are worsening over time and impacting your daily life, it may be time to consult a neurologist. Prompt medical attention is essential if you experience sudden, severe headache pain, vision changes, or neurological symptoms like weakness or speech difficulties. The experts at CONA are here to guide you through the diagnostic and treatment process, providing the support you need to manage your migraines effectively.
Trust CONA for Migraine Care
At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates, our board-certified neurologists are committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care for individuals struggling with migraines. With convenient locations in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, we are dedicated to helping patients find effective, long-term relief from migraine pain. If you are ready to take control of your migraines and improve your quality of life, contact CONA today to schedule an appointment.
