Migraines & Headaches

Migraines are one of the most common types of headaches today, affecting about 39 million Americans. If you’re living with frequent migraines and looking for a long-lasting treatment, Riverhills Neuroscience can help. As the largest physician-owned neurology practice in the area, the practice specialists are experts in treating migraines at their root: as a neurological disease. With three Cincinnati, Ohio, area offices in Norwood, Westside, and Anderson, as well as an office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, the neurological disease specialists are ready to help you now. Call the office or request more information using the online feature anytime.

What are the symptoms of migraines?

Migraines are very difficult headaches that often cause debilitating symptoms. Some common symptoms of migraines are:

• Intense head pain 
• Pain, usually on one side of the head
• Throbbing or pounding sensation
• Pain intensifies if you move or try to function normally
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Smell sensitivity

Migraines can last from 4-72 hours, so you may miss work or other obligations during migraines.

You may also feel incredibly drained and unable to function for a while once the pain abates. 

How do migraines differ from other headaches?

There are many other types of headaches, and the symptoms can sometimes be hard to differentiate. But, the location of the pain can be a big clue to the type of headache you’re having. 

Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches usually affect the area between your eyes, your forehead, and either side of your nose.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches often start in the neck or feel like a painfully tight cap on your head. 

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches usually start behind one eye. 

Sometimes it might be hard to tell where your headache started, and that’s okay. A neurological evaluation at Riverhills Neuroscience can determine the type of headache and help you find a treatment plan that relieves your pain and prevents many or even most headaches. 

Does Botox® really work for migraines?

Botox is one of the best-known treatments for chronic migraines (15+ days per month), and for good reason. Clinical studies have shown that Botox is a safe and highly effective treatment for chronic migraine headaches, with most patients experiencing a 50% reduction in the number of migraine days.

Botox treatment involves medication injections into seven specific areas in the head and neck. The medication prevents the release of the neurotransmitters involved in pain sensation and ultimately disrupts the activation of the brain’s pain networks.

After Botox injections, you can expect up to three months of migraine relief. Many patients also use other treatments, like oral medication, for breakthrough migraines. 

Riverhills Neuroscience also offers many other migraine and headache treatments, including infusion therapies, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and interventional pain management. A combination of therapies may be the best solution for your headaches. 

To learn how migraine treatment can greatly reduce your headache days and help you get back to your life, call Riverhills Neuroscience or click the online contact form today.