What is Migraine Headache?

A migraine is a painful throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head. The pain is so intense that it may disable a person to work or do a simple task at times. The pain is usually over the forehead, temple or even in the back of the head and neck areas. It can cause nausea, vomiting, light & noise sensitivity or even weakness and/or numbness in extremities. “Classic” migraines begin with an aura such as seeing dots, wavy lines or blurriness before the pain starts. About 20% of people have classic migraines.

Triggers for Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are often initiated or “triggered” by specific situations (environment, food, stress, hormonal changes). Examples include bright lights such as sunlight or flickering light, stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration or lack of timely food intake. Certain foods such as MSG, chocolate, soy sauce, processed meat, aged cheese, red wine and some nuts can also trigger migraine headaches. Caffeine may help relieve migraines during an acute episode. However, when the caffeine levels drop, the patient will often experience a rebound headache.
Migraines occur more often in women than men (3:1 ratio). Many women’s migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle.

Treatment Options for Migraine Headaches

There are many types of over the counter (OTC) medicines for headache pain but overuse can lead to toxicity and gastric ulcer. Also, long term and repeated use may cause rebound of migraine headaches.
Triptans such as Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, and Axert are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of migraines. However, people with history of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure may not be eligible to take triptans. Newer medication such as Ubrelvy and Nurtec are used nowadays for treatment of migraine headaches. These meds have fewer side effects than triptans. Sometimes, combinations of few prescription
medications are used for severe episodes. At times, prophylactic medications such as Qulipta, Topiramate, blood pressure medications or SSRI’s have to be added to the regimen to reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches. Some patients do not respond to any treatments and develop chronic migraine headaches which is defined as a having headaches on 15 or more days per month with headaches lasting four hours a day or longer. Quality of life is greatly affected in this subcategory of migraine headache sufferers. Patients usually miss work or school and not able to attend to daily chores.
In 2010, the FDA approved Botox® as a treatment option for chronic migraine. Botox® to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks and is expected to lessen and fade away the pain up to three months depending on the individual patient. In some patients, it totally aborts the pain for the entire duration of 3 months. The treatments are quick and easy and last about 15 minutes.
Botox® is one of many treatment options available to individuals with chronic migraines, especially for patients who do not tolerate migraine medications. Most insurance providers now cover the expense of a Botox® injection if it is being used to treat chronic migraine.
If other preventative treatments have not helped ease your chronic migraine symptoms, it may be time for you to call us for an assessment.

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterized by persistent widespread muscle pain, chronic
fatigue, disrupted and unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties. It is often accompanied by tensiontype or migraine headaches, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, TMJ pain, and abnormal
periods.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. While it is most prevalent in
young and middle age women, it also occurs in men of all ages and ethnic groups.
Recent research has shown that fibromyalgia is part of a neurosensory disorder characterized in part
by abnormalities in pain processing by the central nervous system. Patients with fibromyalgia often
have overlapping symptoms with other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel
syndrome and restless leg syndrome.

DIAGNOSIS

Since fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion, a detailed history and a thorough physical examination
as well as a comprehensive laboratory evaluation must be done to rule out the presence of other
disorders that could be the cause of symptoms.
In addition to common laboratory tests that performed during a yearly physical exam, vitamin levels,
food and environmental allergies, arthritis/inflammation markers, hepatitis panel, thyroid, adrenal as
well as women/men’s hormones are also checked.

TREATMENT GOALS

It is true that fibromyalgia has no cure, but lifestyle changes combined with proper medications can
help the individual control symptoms and achieve significant improvement. The goal of therapy is to
reduce pain, improve fatigue and return to near normal functionality.
The overall approach for chronic pain in fibromyalgia involves a multifaceted treatment plan that
incorporates aerobic exercise, healthy diet, stress management, sleep restoration, and use of
conventional as well as alternative medicine to help reduce inflammation and control pain and flare
ups.

In today’s fast-paced society, maintaining mental wellness has become more important than ever. Wellness isn’t simply the absence of illness—it’s an active, ongoing process of becoming aware of and making choices that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Understanding True Wellness

The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This comprehensive definition highlights that wellness encompasses multiple dimensions of our lives, creating a holistic approach to health.

Maintaining optimal wellness is crucial for living a high-quality life. Every action we take and emotion we experience relates to our overall well-being, which in turn shapes our future actions and emotional responses. This interconnected relationship means that investing in wellness creates a positive cycle that benefits all aspects of life.

The Mind-Body Connection

One of the most significant aspects of wellness is the profound connection between mental and physical health. Stress, for example, can disrupt the chemical balance in our brains, potentially leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. When this balance is disturbed, you might find yourself feeling disconnected from your true self and struggling to enjoy activities that once brought pleasure.

The mind-body connection works both ways—physical health problems can impact our mental state, and psychological issues can manifest as physical symptoms. This relationship underscores the importance of addressing wellness from multiple angles.

Practical Strategies for Stress Reduction

Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can significantly improve your mental wellness. Here are several evidence-based approaches:

Creating time for yourself is essential. Activities like yoga, meditation, walking, or other forms of exercise release endorphins and help regulate stress hormones. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to listen to music can provide a meaningful mental break.

Nutrition plays a vital role in brain health. Well-balanced meals provide the nutrients your brain needs to function optimally. Limiting caffeine intake and reducing alcohol consumption can help stabilize mood and improve sleep quality. Interestingly, laughter therapy—even watching a funny movie—has been shown to reduce stress hormones and boost immune function.

Adequate rest and sleep are non-negotiable aspects of mental wellness. During sleep, your brain processes emotions and consolidates memories, which supports emotional resilience and cognitive function.

Cultivating a positive mindset takes practice but yields tremendous benefits. Making a conscious effort to replace negative thought patterns with positive ones can reshape neural pathways over time, making positivity a more natural default state.

Building a supportive social network provides emotional reinforcement when facing challenges. Surrounding yourself with friends who maintain a positive attitude toward life can help you maintain your own optimism and provide crucial support during difficult times.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite our best efforts at self-care, professional intervention is necessary. Some individuals experience biochemical imbalances that contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or attention difficulties. In these cases, qualified healthcare professionals can provide invaluable support.

Mental health professionals can help you reach your full potential through personalized treatment plans that might include medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward reclaiming your wellness.

The Journey to Balanced Wellness

The path to mental wellness isn’t about achieving a perfect state but rather engaging in an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. By implementing stress-reduction strategies, nurturing positive relationships, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can develop greater resilience and a more balanced approach to life’s challenges.

Remember that wellness is highly individualized—what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to explore different approaches and build a personalized wellness toolkit that supports your unique needs and circumstances.