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.
4 Comments
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,
Janet L. Wilson