Managing Migraines: An Individualized Approach is the Key

For the 37 million people in the United States who suffer from migraine headaches, there isn't a one size fits all treatment that provides relief for this often debilitating condition. In fact, the treatment of migraines is complicated because there are many factors involved in their cause. Recent research offers hope to migraine sufferers that, with the help of a doctor who specializes in headaches, they can successfully control and manage their headaches.

The National Headache Foundation, which observes June as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, reports that individuals with disabling headaches such as migraines, have usually inherited a nervous system that is highly sensitive to changes in the environment, both internal and external. The key to managing headaches is learning to live successfully with your nervous system and to fully understand the role that personal lifestyle plays in triggering a reaction from an individual's nervous system.

"What triggers a migraine in one person may actually mitigate one in another person," says Jason Gruss, MD, FAAPMR, who heads the First Health Headache Clinic in Arlington Heights. "That is what makes treating migraines such a complicated, individualized, and often time-consuming process. But it certainly can be done and is well worth the effort for patients who suffer from migraines."

Seeking treatment is the first step in managing migraines. The Migraine Research Foundation estimates that the vast majority of migraine sufferers do not seek medical care for their pain. For those who are being treated, many often put off or choose not to take their migraine medicine at all because of the negative side effects or the cost. While avoiding medicines altogether might not be feasible, there are alternatives to consider that can reduce the dependency on medicines to manage migraines. A headache management plan typically includes:

Acute treatment -- a therapy used to stop an attack when it begins.

Preventive treatment -- a therapy used to reduce the number of attacks, lessen the intensity of pain, and prevent the onset of future attacks.

Complementary treatment -- a non-drug therapy used mostly for prevention. In some sufferers, life-style changes and other complementary treatments can prevent the triggering of attacks

Acute and preventive treatment typically involves some sort of medication. Therefore, identifying complementary treatments that work for you will help reduce or eliminate the need for medications by intervening in your headache cycle early - before the onset of the headache.

"Migraine sufferers first need to understand that there is hope for them," Gruss added. "With the proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, they can live a more productive and pain-free life. They just have to be open to the process and willing to take the time required to address their unique headache condition with a trusted specialist."

Founded in 2009 by Jason Gruss, MD, FAAPM&R, the Headache Clinic at First Health includes an integrative team of specialists who personalize medical care. First Health Associates is a family medical clinic serving the Northwest suburbs. To find out more about services or providers, visit www.firsthealthassociates.com or call 847-593-3330.