Migraine Specialist

Lower Merion Neurology PC Our Services Migraine

Lower Merion Neurology PC

Neurologist located in Paoli, PA & Narberth, PA

About 19% of women and 9% of men suffer from excruciating migraines, which are known for causing intense pain that lasts 4-72 hours if you don’t get treatment. As a migraine specialist, Sudhir Aggarwal, MD, PhD, at Lower Merion Neurology PC offers a range of effective treatments, from Botox® injections. To learn more about your migraine treatment options, book an appointment online or call the office located in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and serving the larger Main Line area.

Migraine Q & A

What causes a migraine?

A migraine is a neurological disorder that causes certain areas of the brain to become hypersensitive to triggers. The triggers are different for each patient. However, some of the most common migraine triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Caffeine
  • Strong odors
  • Bright or flashing lights
  • Missing a meal
  • Weather changes
  • Hormone changes (women’s menstrual periods)
  • Certain foods and additives

You may discover that getting too much or not enough sleep, or even intense physical activity, trigger your migraines.

What symptoms occur during a migraine?

Migraines go through several stages with distinct symptoms, but you may not experience each stage.

Prodrome

Some patients start to develop symptoms one or two days before their migraine pain begins. Food cravings, a stiff neck, mood changes, and feeling thirsty are just a few of the symptoms that occur during this stage.

Aura

About one-third of migraine patients experience aura, with symptoms starting about 30 minutes before their migraine and possibly continuing during their migraine. Aura symptoms often involve vision changes such as seeing flashes of light or wavy lines.

You may also experience changes in physical sensations, muscle movements, or speech disturbances. For example, you may feel tingling sensations, uncontrollable spasms, or have a hard time talking.

Attack

This is the stage when the severe, throbbing migraine pain begins. Your pain may stay around the temple on one side of your head or spread to both sides. In addition to intense pain, the symptoms of migraines include:

  • Pain lasts 4-72 hours
  • Pain gets worse if you move
  • Sensitivity to lights, sounds, smells, and touch
  • Nausea and vomiting

Many patients develop vertigo and feel lightheaded.

Post-drome

After your migraine headache pain gets better, you may still have symptoms for the next 24 hours. You may feel weak, confused, or dizzy, and your sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells may persist.

How are migraines treated?

You don’t need to continue suffering from agonizing migraines. Dr. Aggarwal at Lower Merion Neurology PC can prescribe medications that reduce the severity and length of your pain when taken at the first sign of a migraine. You may also be able to take daily medications that reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.

You can also receive the latest breakthrough treatments at Lower Merion Neurology PC, such as CGRP inhibitor injections to prevent migraines. Dr. Aggarwal also offers several advanced treatments, such as occipital nerve blocks, which alleviate migraines that don’t improve with other medications.

For patients with chronic migraines, he may recommend Botox® injections, a preventive treatment that reduces the frequency of future migraines.

If you suffer from migraines, call Lower Merion Neurology PC or schedule an appointment online for expert treatment.

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