If you experience chronic migraines, you know how painful and debilitating they can be. There are treatment options available to help manage this condition. The dedicated staff at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, a family practice in Gloversville, NY, explain what you should know about chronic migraines.

What Are They?

A migraine is a severely painful headache that causes a throbbing, pulsating sensation on one side of the head. It can also cause sensitivity to light and sounds, blurred vision, and lightheadedness. It’s not uncommon for symptoms to linger after the migraine ends. A chronic migraine is typified by 15 or more headache days a month for longer than three months. According to the American Migraine Foundation, approximately 1% of the population grapples with this condition.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you believe you have chronic migraines, keep track of the days you get headaches so you can accurately report the symptoms to your family practice doctor. To diagnose the condition, they will also determine any possible risk factors for symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, obesity, stressful life events, head and neck injury, and medication overuse.

Based on these risk factors, treatments will vary. Your family practice doctor may prescribe acute medications for use at the onset of an attack, as well as medication for prevention. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress, the doctor may also recommend non-medicinal treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes.

There is a range of treatment options available to manage this condition. Visit your local family practice to determine the best course of action based on your potential migraine triggers. To speak with an experienced health care professional at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, call (518) 725-8621. Visit this all-encompassing health care facility online to learn more about their services and practice areas.