The Never-Ending Battle With Migraines
The stresses of life will no doubt bring about the occasional headache. Chronic daily headaches, especially migraines, headaches become a never-ending battle. Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches that often originate at the front or one side of the head. Some people struggle with migraines for years, unable to find the root cause of the issue. Many end up losing precious time at work or with family and friends. Migraines are not just bad head pain but a potential neurological disorder caused by the disruption of nerves around the head. This discovery has led to various treatments, including outpatient procedures, that can provide significant, long-term relief.
Symptoms of chronic headaches you can't ignore
Migraines and chronic headaches affect everyone differently. Symptoms can be present in some cases but absent in others, and the severity of symptoms also varies. The primary concern is moderate to severe headaches in the front or side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, numbness, and sensitivity to light or sound are other common symptoms. Some people experience a migraine aura, a warning sign of an impending migraine signified by visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, blind spots, or zig-zag lines. Over time, chronic headaches can lead to sleep deprivation and other unpleasant side effects.
What can you do beyond medication?
There's no one-size-fits-all treatment for chronic headaches. The options and effectiveness vary, and treatments often occur on a case-by-case basis. Most cases, however, benefit from over-the-counter pain medication or prescription pain medicine. Other forms of medicine include triptans, antidepressants, and beta blockers. The effectiveness of these options varies, and some individuals experience unpleasant side effects. Overreliance on medication can also lead to medication overuse headaches, exacerbating the cycle of pain. If medication fails to bring results, doctors can suggest outpatient treatment to target the source of the issue. There is often pressure around the nerves of the head. The goal is to find the underlying trigger point and deploy the appropriate treatment.
Try botulinum toxin injections
Some doctors suggest botulinum toxin type A injections to help with chronic headaches. A doctor injects the botulinum toxin in a quick outpatient procedure. When injected in the correct amounts in specific areas, the formula can freeze the muscles and delay nerve signals, thereby reducing pain. Botulinum toxin injections can last for several weeks, with periodic injections needed. Over time, the migraine frequency and severity decrease, lengthening the time needed between injections. Studies show the treatment is effective in reducing chronic headaches.
Block those nerves
There are other nerve blocks that are effective in treating chronic migraines. An occipital nerve block targets the occipital nerves located at the back of the head. Using an ultrasound technique called fluoroscopy, the medical team will inject a nerve block in specific areas at the back of the head. The nerve block is a combination of anti-inflammatory and anesthetic medications. Doctors are also providing sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block for migraine relief. The SPG is a cluster of nerve cells behind the nose, which may be responsible for pain signals associated with migraines. A device is inserted through the nose and administers nerve blocks at the SPG to reduce chronic pain.
Consider outpatient migraine surgery
For moderate to severe cases that do not respond to medication, a doctor may recommend outpatient surgery. This is a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that seeks to relieve pressure around the nerves, triggering chronic headaches. The medical team will first perform tests to determine the migraine's source. During surgery, small incisions are made to remove tissue and muscle that may be compressing nerves that cause headaches. The procedure can take several hours, and the outpatient nature means the patient can leave on the same day. Nerve decompression surgery is quickly becoming a viable option for long-term pain management, especially when other options fail.
Don't melt down over migraines
The pain and discomfort of migraines can be indescribable. While medication can help, many individuals struggling with chronic headaches get little to no relief. Thanks to the different outpatient options available, there is the chance to have a pain-free life. Through nerve blocks or decompression surgery, a customized migraine treatment plan is available. Before and after treatment, patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as improved sleep, diet, and exercise, to reduce migraines. With outpatient treatment available, there is hope for a pain-free life.
