Migraine

Nearly 40 million Americans struggle with migraines. Don’t live with severe head pain when help is within reach at Muskogee Family Practice in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Monica Hoog-Gage, ARNP, CNP, diagnoses migraines and offers treatments that ease your discomfort and optimize your quality of life. Schedule a migraine evaluation at Muskogee Family Practice by calling the office today. 

What are migraines?

Migraines are conditions characterized by severe headaches and often additional symptoms, such as nausea and visual disturbances. 

Migraines can be quite painful and disruptive, and they can diminish your quality of life when left untreated — or they could be a sign of an underlying medical problem. See Monica at Muskogee Family Practice at the first sign of frequent or severe headaches.

What are the symptoms of migraines?

The following are symptoms of migraines:

• Severe headaches
• Aching 
• Throbbing, pounding, or pulsing
• Mood changes
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Vision changes
• Ringing in your ears
• Touch, light, odor, or sound sensitivity
• Tingling or numbness

Migraines can last for several hours up to several days; they can feel crippling in many cases when left untreated. People with migraines often have 2-4 per month. 

What are the risk factors for migraines?

Risk factors for experiencing migraines include:

• Family history of migraines
• Being female 
• Hormonal changes before menstruation
• Stress
• Some medications
• Weather changes
• Sleep changes
• Substance misuse
• Alcohol
• Foods with additives
• Dehydration 
• Caffeine
• Skipped meals
• Exposure to loud sounds, strong odors, or bright lights
• History of migraines
• Underlying medical conditions (mental health disorders, epilepsy, etc.)
• Tobacco use
• Tumors

About 12% of people in the United States suffer from migraines.

How are migraines diagnosed?

Monica diagnoses migraines and their potential cause by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. She also checks your vital signs, completes physical and neurological exams, and may order blood tests, brain function tests, a CT scan, or other diagnostic tests to determine how to best treat your condition. 

How are migraines treated?

Treating migraines with Monica at Muskogee Family Practice may consist of:

• Botox® injections
• Hormonal treatments 
• Medication management
• Injections
• Intravenous (IV) treatments
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Biofeedback
• Mental health services

Monica may recommend you try more than one treatment or see another specialist if she suspects a serious underlying medical condition is causing your migraines. She follows up to ensure effective, long-lasting pain relief. 

Schedule a migraine evaluation with Monica at Muskogee Family Practice by calling the office today.