Mind Over Matter, Except When it Comes to a Migraine
Grace Weatherby
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

Mind Over Matter, Except When it Comes to a Migraine

Despite being the third most common disease in the world, migraine remains misunderstood and often mis- or undiagnosed.

Among the most common misunderstandings is that a migraine is simply an awful headache. But the truth is more complicated than that as migraine is a neurological disease with no cure. And yes, headaches are a common symptom, but the disease is actually a complex group of symptoms that occur in phases (prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome) over a period of time that can last from 4 to 72 hours. However, not everyone will experience the same symptoms, which may include: 

► Fatigue or difficulty sleeping

► Depressed mood or changes in mood

► Visual disturbances or even loss of sight

► Severe headache

► Vomiting

► Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells

► Dizziness or vertigo

It is important to recognize that experiencing one—or even two—of these symptoms does not mean you have migraine.

In order to be properly diagnosed with a migraine, the following criteria must be met:

  1. At least five attacks fulfilling criteria B-D
  2. Headache attacks lasting 4 – 72 hours
  3. Headache has at least 2 of the following four characteristics:
    1. Unilateral location (meaning one side of the head) 
    2. Pulsating quality
    3. Moderate or severe pain intensity
    4. Aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity
  4. During headache, has at least one of the following:
    1. Nausea and/or vomiting
    2. Photophobia (light sensitivity) and Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity)
  5. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). 

Experienced migraine sufferers often learn to recognize the onset phases of a migraine attack and can prepare themselves hours, or even days, before the debilitating headache phase kicks in.

Phases of a Migraine Attack

SOURCE: AmericanMigraineFoundation.org

 

In the same way there is no cure, there is also no test for a migraine. However, that should not keep you from seeking medical advice, especially if frequent or severe migraine is interfering with daily life.

If you suspect you may have a migraine, it is important to keep a timeline of symptoms, including notes about environmental elements and personal health issues, which may trigger an attack. Here is a look at some common triggers:

  • Stress
  • Changes in weather
  • Strong smells
  • Bright light
  • Certain medications
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Changes to your sleep
  • Skipping a meal

This information, along with your personal and family health history, will help your healthcare provider assess your condition and develop a treatment plan. In some cases, they may recommend imaging of the head to rule out other potential conditions.

Common treatment options include:

  • Acute medications to stop or alleviate migraine attacks
  • Preventive medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks
  • Lifestyle modifications and trigger management

NOTE: It is important to distinguish migraine from other types of headaches, as the treatment and management strategies may differ.

While most migraines can be managed at home, there are certain situations when seeking immediate medical care is crucial:

  • Sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache) that comes on within seconds
  • Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, or neurological deficits
  • Headache following a head injury or trauma
  • Headache that worsens with coughing, bending, or physical activity
  • Intractable migraine lasting more than 72 hours without relief
  • New or different headache pattern, especially if over 50 years old

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a stroke, aneurysm, or meningitis, and require prompt evaluation and treatment.

 

Jennie Smyth is a PA with the neurology department of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

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SVMC Creates Virtual Waiting Room to Encourage Distancing

BENNINGTON, VT—May 29, 2020—Starting Monday, many people who need in-person appointments at Southwestern Vermont Health Care's (SVHC) hospital and clinics will no longer need to use traditional waiting rooms. A virtual system created by the hospital allows patients to call 802-447-5000 when they arrive in the parking lot and receive a text message when their provider is ready to see them.

SVMC's outpatient and inpatient surgeries and diagnostic services, like those for imaging and laboratory work, have resumed with enhanced safety protocols per the directive of Governor Phil Scott. The health system's emergency department, ExpressCare, emergency surgical services, and most of its primary and specialty practices remained open during the pandemic.

"SVHC has provided safe, high-quality care throughout the pandemic." Said Thomas A. Dee, FACHE, Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) president and CEO. "Innovation has been an important part of providing care during these extraordinary times and this new program decreases the number of people in our waiting rooms and allows them to stay the recommended 6 feet apart or more."

In order to use the virtual waiting room, patients must be able to wait in their vehicle and have a charged cell phone with them. They will receive the virtual waiting room telephone number during their appointment-reminder telephone call. Signs outside the building and at the respiratory check-in stations inside the main hospital and medical office building entrances will also include the number to call.

Patients simply call the number when they arrive in the parking lot and wait in their cars. When the provider is ready to see them, they will receive a text message alert to indicate that they should come in.

"We love that we can use the same technology that most people carry with them to help people stay socially distanced," said Gail Balch, RN, who directs information technology at SVMC. "It's through innovations like this one that we are able to resume services safely and ensure patients receive the care they need."

Hospital and clinic staff anticipate that the new program will allow greater distance between people who must use traditional waiting rooms, including those who walked or took public transportation to their appointment and those who do not have a cell phone.

Additional safety protocols indicate that all patients should arrive to the hospital or clinic with their own cloth face covering. Face coverings must be worn over the mouth and nose for the entire duration of patients' visits. Patients should also come alone, unless they absolutely need assistance from a loved one.

For questions about how to resume or initiate elective care, call your primary care provider or the specialist directly. For a list of providers, visit svhealthcare.org/physician-directory.

Patients with cough or shortness of breath or any two of the following—fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell—should contact their primary care provider or the COVID-19 Informational Hotline at 802-440-8844 before arriving to either their provider’s office or the hospital. For a detailed list of safety protocols, frequently asked questions, visitor guidelines, and COVID-19 information, visit svhealthcare.org.

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