Migraine
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The Art of Health
Amy M. Anderson, D.O.
Functional Medicine Specialist & Aesthetics Specialist located in Poulsbo, WA
It’s estimated that about 12% of Americans suffer from migraines, which are recurring headaches that can leave you laid up for a day or more. Amy Anderson, DO, at The Art of Health in Poulsbo, Washington, takes a holistic approach to care and provides treatment for migraines, including Botox® injections for chronic migraine sufferers. For migraine management, call the office to schedule an appointment.
Migraine Q & A
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a type of recurring headache that causes moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually localized to one side of your head. The pain can last a few hours or a few days, and be quite debilitating.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
Migraines tend to develop in phases, but you may not go through each phase. Migraine phases include:
Prodrome
The prodrome phase may develop up to 24 hours before you develop head pain. Some common symptoms of the prodrome phase include food cravings, mood changes, and fluid retention.
Aura
The aura phase causes you to see flashes of light or develop muscle weakness. This phase may occur just before or during your migraine headache.
Headache
During the headache phase of your migraine, you may feel a throbbing or pulsing sensation on one side of your head. The degree of pain varies. You may also experience other symptoms during your migraine headache, such as sensitivity to light or nausea and vomiting.
Postdrome
Following your migraine, you may enter the postdrome phase and feel exhausted and weak for up to a day.
Migraine headaches frequently develop in the morning hours.
What treatments are available for migraines?
Dr. Anderson takes a holistic approach to care and spends time with you to find the root cause of your migraines. She then works one-on-one with you to develop a treatment plan focused on the underlying cause.
Your treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription medication to help you manage your symptoms. Dr. Anderson also helps you make lifestyle changes that may contribute to your migraines to prevent flare-ups, such as techniques to manage stress and diet changes.
If your migraines are hormonal, she provides hormone therapy to help maintain balance to reduce symptoms and flare-ups.
How can Botox help my migraines?
In addition to lifestyle changes and medication, Dr. Anderson offers Botox® injections if you suffer from chronic migraines. The treatment may help prevent you from getting migraines by blocking the chemicals that transmit pain signals to your brain.
To get the most benefits, you may need several shots in your head and neck every 12 weeks. You may see an improvement in your migraines within two to three weeks after your first treatment.
For management of your migraines from a physician who takes a holistic approach to care, call The Art of Health today to book an appointment.
