Migraines are a type of headache that is often characterized by a severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, lack of sleep, and changes in hormone levels. Most migraine “attacks” last about 4 hours; however, some can last as long as a week.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
There are different stages of a migraine and each stage has a distinct set of symptoms.
Prodrome stage
These symptoms usually start 1-2 days before the actual headache. They can include:
- stiffness in the neck
- frequent yawning
- depression
- irritability
- food cravings
- fatigue or low energy
- hyperactivity
Aura stage
Not all migraines are accompanied by an aura, but when an aura does occur, it is after the prodrome stage. An aura can cause:
- temporary vision loss
- a prickling or tingling sensation in your face, arms, or legs
- difficulty speaking clearly
- seeing shapes, bright spots, or light flashes
Attack stage
This is when the migraine pain starts and it can overlap with an aura. This stage can cause:
- dizziness
- pulsing and throbbing head pain
- increased sensitivity to light and sound
- nausea/vomiting
- pain on one side or region of the head
Postdrome stage
The postdrome stage occurs after the attack stage. During this stage, people may experience:
- changes in mood and feelings
- a mild, dull headache (possibly)
It is important to note that migraine symptoms, as well as the length or intensity of each stage, can vary among individuals. If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic migraines, schedule a consultation with your Hoosier Ketamine providers, Kerri Pritchard & Josh Retz, to evaluate if ketamine therapy is right for you.
How are migraines treated at Hoosier Ketamine?
At Hoosier Ketamine, we offer innovative and cutting-edge treatments for migraines. Our Hoosier Ketamine providers work together with health providers to create a customized treatment plan that treats the whole person and is designed to help individuals become happier and healthier. Since our treatments are intended to work as a supplement to other treatments, we ask that all our patients be under the care of a licensed health provider.
Our practice uses Ketamine Infusion Therapy, a new and highly effective treatment for migraines. Ketamine infusions have been found to help block pain pathways and reduce the “hyperexcitability” associated with migraines. During your treatment, our Hoosier Ketamine providers will administer a low dose of ketamine to ease migraine symptoms. Treatment typically consists of six infusions administered over the course of 2-3 weeks.
