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Modern Migraine MD

Migraines

Neurologist and Headache Specialist headquartered in New York, NY seeing patients virtually throughout the US

Migraines

Migraines have a well-deserved reputation for causing debilitating head pain and nausea. But you can reduce the severity and frequency of your migraine pain with advanced treatments from Risa Ravitz, MD, at Modern Migraine MD. Along with specialized training in headache medicine, Dr. Ravitz personally deals with migraines, so she understands your challenges and the need for fast relief. To schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, use the online booking feature or call the office in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, Toms River, New Jersey, or Aventura, Florida, today. The practice provides telemedicine appointments in multiple states. 

Migraines Q & A

What are migraines?

Migraines are known for causing severe and debilitating headaches. These painful headaches begin when something triggers the nerves in your head.

The nerves then release a burst of electrical activity, which leads to complex biochemical reactions that affect the blood vessels in your head. The result is a migraine.

Everyone with migraines usually has a few specific triggers, but these represent some of the most common:

  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Dehydration
  • Strong odors
  • Bright or flashing lights
  • Changes in the weather
  • Certain foods

Cheese, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in histamines (e.g., dried fruits, fermented foods, and processed meats) often trigger migraines.

What symptoms occur during migraines?

Migraines go through four possible phases, but you may not experience all of them:

Phase 1: Prodrome (warning signs)

The day before a migraine begins, you may notice subtle changes that warn you of an oncoming migraine. For example, you might have food cravings or mood changes.

Phase 2: Aura

This phase affects about one-third of people who have migraines. Aura refers to unusual changes that occur before the head pain begins. You may have changes in vision (seeing wavy lines, flashing lights, or spots), have difficulty speaking, or experience numbness or tingling.

Phase 3: Migraine attack

Migraines usually begin around one temple and cause severe throbbing pain. As the migraine progresses, the pain may expand to include both temples.

You may also experience symptoms such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch
  • Facial pressure or sinus pain
  • Nasal congestion

If you don't take medication, migraines typically last between 4-72 hours.

Phase 4: Post-drome

After the pain goes away, some people don't fully recover for a day or two. You may feel tired, depressed, euphoric, or have difficulty concentrating.

How are migraines treated?

Modern Migraine MD helps you identify your triggers so you can avoid them as much as possible. Dr. Ravitz also prescribes medication.

You take some medications at the first sign of a migraine. These drugs reduce the duration and severity of your pain. You can also take daily medications that decrease the frequency of future migraines.

Dr. Ravitz specializes in advanced migraine treatments such as: 

  • CGRP monoclonal antibody injections
  • Botox® injections (for chronic migraines)
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Sphenopalatine ganglion block
  • Peripheral nerve block
  • Neuromodulation

Though you can use telemedicine for your evaluation, follow-up appointments, and medication management, you need to schedule an in-person appointment in New York City for other treatments.

Don't put off getting treatment for a migraine or any other severe headache. Call Modern Migraine MD or book an appointment online today.