Headaches

Do you struggle with severe or pounding head pain due to headaches or migraines? If so, you can rely on the experts at Primecare Family Practice, a private medical practice in Arlington, Texas. Lewis Nyantika, APRN, FNP-C, Maryline Ongangi, APRN, FNP-C, and their skilled team offer treatments that reduce the incidence or severity of migraine pain. Call the office to book an evaluation, or use the online scheduler today

What are migraines?

Migraines are severe forms of headaches that may last a few hours up to several days when left untreated. They can reduce your ability to effectively perform job duties or other everyday tasks. Finding the root cause of migraines is the best way to treat them, eliminating bothersome or crippling symptoms. See the Primecare Family Practice team at the first sign of a problem.

What are the symptoms of migraines?

The common symptoms of migraines include:

• Severe head pain
• Throbbing discomfort
• Pulsing sensations
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Pain on one side of your head
• Visual disturbances
• Tingling
• Weakness 
• Numbness
• Difficulty speaking

All forms of headaches cause at least some discomfort. The Primecare Family Practice team helps you better manage unpleasant symptoms to improve your quality of life.

What can trigger migraines?

While the exact cause of migraines isn’t always clear, numerous factors appear to increase your risk of or trigger them. Examples include:

• Hormone fluctuations
• Hormonal medications
• Alcohol, wine, coffee, or excessive caffeine
• Ongoing or extreme stress
• Intense physical exertion
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Bright flashing lights
• Loud sounds
• Strong smells
• Weather changes
• Eating highly processed foods
• Skipping meals
• Food additives
• Family history of migraines
• Tumors

Women seem to be three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines. Adopting healthy habits may reduce the chance of having migraines, but you can’t always avoid them without proper treatment.

How does my provider diagnose migraines and their cause?

To determine what’s causing headache pain, the Primecare Family Practice team asks about your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and treatment preferences. They complete a physical exam, check your vital signs, and may suggest blood tests, a CT scan, an MRI, or another diagnostic test before tailoring your treatment plan.

How are migraines treated?

The most common treatments for migraines include making lifestyle changes and taking medications to prevent or reduce the severity of migraine discomfort. Botox® injections also ease pain caused by migraines. It’s important to get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious foods, adopt stress-reduction strategies, drink enough water, and reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine. 

If you have a tumor or another underlying medical problem responsible for migraines, your Primecare Family Practice provider refers you to a highly trained specialist.

To get relief from migraines, schedule an evaluation at Primecare Family Practice by phone or online today.