It’s more than just a bad headache when you have chronic migraines. They can get in the way of daily life, make people less productive, and lower the quality of life in general. People who get headaches on a regular basis need to find treatments that work. Painkillers and changes to your lifestyle can help, but new brain treatments are giving people new hope for long-term relief.
Long-term migraines happen when you get at least 15 headache days a month, with at least eight of those days being like migraines. People with this condition often have severe, aching pain on one side of their head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
The Role Of Neurology In Migraine Treatment
As a doctor, neurologists find and fix issues with the nervous system, like headaches. When dealing with chronic headaches, their understanding is very important because they can offer full care that includes both old and new treatments.
Advanced Neurological Treatments
1. Botox Injections
Botox, commonly known for its cosmetic uses, has been approved by the FDA for chronic migraines treatment. Botox shots given by neurologists work by stopping the release of chemicals that help send pain signals. This makes migraines less common and less severe.
How It Works: Botox is injected into specific areas around the head and neck, targeting nerve pathways associated with migraines. Treatments are usually administered every 12 weeks.
Benefits:
- Reduction in the number of migraine days per month
- Decreased severity of attacks
- Improved quality of life and reduced disability
Considerations:
- Botox is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can include neck pain and muscle weakness.
- It is not a cure but a preventive treatment, requiring ongoing sessions.
2. CGRP Inhibitors
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors are a newer group of medicines that are made to stop headaches. CGRP is a protein that is very important in the cause of migraines. By inhibiting CGRP or its receptor, these medications can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Types Of CGRP Inhibitors:
- Erenumab (Aimovig)
- Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
- Galcanezumab (Emgality)
- Eptinezumab (Vyepti)
Benefits:
- Targeted action with fewer side effects compared to traditional migraine medications
- Effective in reducing migraine frequency and severity
Considerations:
Some insurance plans might not cover these medicines, and they can be pricey.
One of the possible side effects is a reaction at the injection site or trouble going to the bathroom. If you get at least 15 headache days a month, with at least eight of those days being migraine-like, for more than three months, you have a chronic migraine.
3. Neuromodulation Devices
Neuromodulation devices offer a non-pharmacological approach to chronic migraine treatment. These devices use electrical or magnetic impulses to modulate nerve activity and prevent migraine attacks.
Types Of Devices:
- Cefaly: A headband-like device that stimulates the trigeminal nerve using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
- Gammacore: A hand-held gadget that works by stimulating the vagus nerve through the neck skin.
- Stms Mini: A portable transcranial magnetic stimulation device.
Benefits:
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Can be used as needed, providing flexibility in treatment
- Minimal side effects
Considerations:
- Effectiveness can vary from person to person.
- Requires consistent use and may involve an initial adjustment period.
Combining Treatments For Optimal Results
A lot of people who get chronic headaches find that a mix of treatments works best for them. For example, a neurologist might say that the best results come from using Botox shots along with CGRP inhibitors and neuromodulation devices. Lifestyle changes, like learning how to deal with stress, working out regularly, and eating differently, can help these more advanced methods work better.
The Importance Of Personalized Treatment Plans
Chronic migraines are complex and can vary significantly between individuals. Therefore, personalized treatment plans are essential. Neurologists at South Valley Neurology work closely with patients to develop tailored approaches that address specific triggers, symptoms, and treatment responses.
The Future Of Chronic Migraine Treatment
Research in migraine treatment is ongoing, and the future looks promising with several potential advancements on the horizon. New drug classes, improved neuromodulation techniques, and a better understanding of migraine mechanisms are expected to lead to more effective and personalized treatments.
Conclusion
Chronic migraines can be debilitating, but advanced neurological treatments offer new hope for those seeking relief. From Botox injections and CGRP inhibitors to innovative neuromodulation devices, these treatments are transforming the landscape of chronic migraine treatment. It is very important to work with an expert, like a neurologist botox, to make a complete and unique treatment plan. People who get migraines on a regular basis may find that these more advanced choices make their quality of life much better.
If you have headaches on a regular basis, you might want to talk to a neurologist about these more advanced treatment options and figure out which one will work best for you. South Valley Neurology can help you deal with and get over the problems that come with having chronic headaches.