Living with frequent headaches and migraines can be a constant struggle, but you don’t have to endure the pain alone. At HMC Centre, you can consult a specialist for headaches who will provide a tailored treatment plan to manage and alleviate your condition. Our headache specialists focus on understanding the root causes of your headaches before offering a comprehensive treatment strategy.
How are migraines different from simple headaches?
Headaches manifest as a dull, aching pain or pressure sensation in various parts of the head, such as the temples, forehead, or back of the neck. They usually don’t involve other symptoms beyond head pain and are often relatively easy to treat with over-the-counter pain medication. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, like stress, eye strain, dehydration, or even changes in weather. Importantly, headaches generally don’t disrupt your ability to go about your daily activities.
In contrast, migraines are recurring, pulsating headaches that can significantly disrupt your daily activities. According to Statistics Canada, around 2.7 million Canadians suffer from migraines. The pain and accompanying symptoms often hinder quality sleep, exercise, and even everyday tasks like driving and focusing at work.
How do you know if what you’re suffering from is a migraine instead of a simple headache?
The usual symptoms include:
- Intense, throbbing headaches that may be on one or both sides of your head
- Irritability
- Extreme sensitivity to sound and light
- Vomiting, nausea, food intolerance, and dizziness
- “Migraine aura” (bright spots or floaters before or during the headache and is sometimes associated with blurry vision)
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to migraines. Research indicates that about 70% of migraine sufferers have a family member with the same condition. Migraines with an aura are often more likely to be genetic than those without an aura.
There are also lifestyle-related triggers for migraines, such as stress, fatigue, and hunger. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can be a significant factor. Other triggers may include sleep problems, missing meals, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and smoking.
Schedule your consultation with a headache specialist today.
Are you tired of dealing with persistent headaches and migraines? Book your appointment with a specialist for headaches at HMC Centre and find an effective way to manage your condition. The Headache, Migraine & Concussion Centre is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. To schedule your consultation, leave a message on our website or call us at 800-477-1021 (toll-free) or 905-477-4677.
