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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 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:
Cheese, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in histamines (e.g., dried fruits, fermented foods, and processed meats) often trigger migraines.
Migraines go through four possible phases, but you may not experience all of them:
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.
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.
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:
If you don't take medication, migraines typically last between 4-72 hours.
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.
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:
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.