A migraine is a chronic, genetically determined, neurological disorder that presents as a severe headache that may cause nausea and light-sensitivity. The main goal of migraine treatment is to find a reliable, effective treatment for acute attacks that quickly restores normal function.
False Creek Healthcare’s experienced physicians will work with you to develop a personal Migraine Treatment Plan which will match your treatment to the severity of your headaches and disability.
The program offers a wide range of treatments for mild to severe symptoms including acetaminophen monotherapy, parenteral magnesium and opioid analgesics. The latest emerging therapies such a angiotensin blockade, calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors, and melatonin treatments are also available
Diagnostic Tests
If necessary, advanced diagnostic equipment will be used to aid with diagnosis.
CT scans may identify space-occupying lesions, ischemic lesions or SAH.
MRI scans may identify space-occupying lesions or ischemic lesions. MRI scans with gadolinium may demonstrate pachymeningeal enhancement in low-pressure headache.
Treatment
Migraine is a chronic condition. The main goal of treatment is to find a reliable, rapidly effective treatment for acute attacks that restores function. Treatment should be matched to the severity of the patient’s headache and disability.
The following treatment options are available:
Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
• NSAIDs or aspirin
• Acetaminophen monotherapy
• Aspirin/acetaminophen/caffeine
Severe Symptoms:
• Triptan
• Parenteral Magnesium
• Phenothiazines
• Ergot alkaloids
• Acetaminophen/dichloralphenazone/isometheptene
• Opioid analgesics
• Corticosteroids
• Butalbital-containing compounds
Emerging Therapies
The latest migraine treatments are also available.
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors
• Melatonin
• Mirtazapine
• Angiotensin blockade
• OnabotulinumtoxinA (formerly known as botulinum toxin type A)
After Treatment
You will be monitored regularly to assess your disability and treatment needs, which may vary over time. Your doctor may ask you to keep a headache diary or calendar to assess headache frequency and medication use. Follow up visits usually occur once a year for uncomplicated patients or more frequently if you are troubled by ongoing headaches.
6 Comments
hi I’ve suffered wit migraine headaches for 20+ years tried everything in my power to find a solution currently using 30mg of mirtazapine been on it for three months with no change thinking of stopping it now as it has had a fair chance.what about nutrition no one looks at this I could be eating the wrong foods and dont even know doctors sluff it off and put you in a standard treatment box without really investigating ones overall health. I mention that every year at the same time feb march I get a period of relief where im headache free. I feel as though there is some sort of industry cover up as to whats actually causing this difficulty for so many. I’ve had a headache for 6 days now it seems I’m back to my normal suffuring again if it could only be Feb and March all year . I cant take rizotriptans any more as ive become immune to them and only get bounce headaches expensive temp relief .this has effected every part of my life and I am no longer thriving in society as I once did . feel as though the health care system has let me and alot of others down . every time the weather bounces my head goes with it I can actually tell days in advance when the changes are coming often well before the weatherman. Cant help but feel its hopeless sometime yet to meet a doctor that really cares to get to the bottom of it or for some reason there hands are tied from giving you the truth of the causes and guiding you to the natural cures or root of the problem first this one pill fits all approach sure isnt working I’ve definatly lost faith in the health care system it seems as though doctors are to burnt out to really care what a shame as Im sure they became doctors because they use to care. lack of real investigation on their part hurts us all! it could be as simple as the filling in my teeth but again no investagtion as to the real cause and effect surly its no coincedence that a population that hardly heard of migraines 40 years ago suffers so much now anyhow my head hurts to much to wright any more that enough of a rant for now. Peace out everyone ! PS this document was not created to offend anyone and I hope none was taken thanks.
I have suffered from painless migraines for 5 years now and have had CT and MRI’s done. I present with weakness down left side and trouble with speech. I have had no help from doctors to try and alleviate any of this . Is you clinic a place i would benefit from. Also i live in north central BC.
How much knowledge and experience do you have with familial hemiplegic migraines and severe cases as:
Barometric Pressure & Humidity as the number one trigger (EVERY time it snows or rains)
Stroke like symptoms – left side partially paralyzed, speech problems (words backwards, wrong, slured etc.), comprehension problems (brain only computes some of the words spoken or doesnt connect any sound), loss of time (can sit for 15 minutes to find out it has been a few hours that has gone by), equilibrium problems (cannot walk straight, falling over), vision problems (confetti, black spots, floaters-too many to properly see), and the standard pain problem of 7-9. Winter and spring could mean 1 day a week of relief of the above mentioned. Are you familiar with this?
Hello Carole,
Every case is unique and it’s difficult to determine your condition with a list of symptoms. For your specific case, you would have a physical assessment with Dr. Fineman. Based on the assessment, you would be scheduled for appropriate diagnostic testing (MRI or CT) at our Diagnostics Centre in the same building, and also be referred to see a Neurologist.
I’ve been suffering from migraines regularly for about 30 years, I’m now 51 years (female). I currently take Imitrex when I get attacks, they help 50% of the time. Thank you.
I hope as False Creek MC continues its efforts to offer CCSVI scans and participate in associated research that they explore the possible relationship of CCSVI to classical migraine.
Kindest Regards,