Anyone who suffers from them can tell you in no uncertain terms: migraines are NOT just severe headaches. They are complex neurological events that disrupt the daily lives of countless people.
Migraines typically cause intense throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Understanding Migraines: Symptoms and Causes
Migraines may involve various symptoms that go beyond head pain. Common signs include:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain: Typically felt on one side of the head.
- Sensory sensitivity: Includes sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells and touch.
- Nausea and vomiting: Often accompanies the pain.
- Visual disturbances: Known as an aura, affecting your vision temporarily.
The exact causes of migraines are not fully understood but are believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors. Triggers can vary widely but may include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and physical exertion.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Migraine?
While most migraines can be managed at home or with the help of a regular healthcare provider, there are specific instances where visiting an urgent care may be necessary:
- Worsening Symptoms: If your migraine comes with exceptionally intense pain or symptoms that do not respond to your usual treatment methods.
- Prolonged Auras: Visual or sensory disturbances that do not clear up could indicate more serious issues.
- Worsening Patterns: A migraine that is significantly different or more severe than what you usually experience.
- Associated Symptoms: Such as confusion, fever, stiff neck, seizures, or persistent vomiting, which could suggest more severe complications.
How FirstCall Medical Center Can Help
At FirstCall Medical Center, we understand the distress that migraines can cause and offer prompt, effective treatment for those times when a migraine seems unmanageable at home.
Our healthcare providers are equipped to provide rapid relief for migraine symptoms, including administration of anti-nausea medication and pain relief in a calm, quiet environment away from the overstimulating conditions of an emergency department.
“Should I go to urgent care for a migraine?” If this isn’t the first time you’ve posed the question – it’s probably high time you sought help. FirstCall Medical Center is prepared to provide the urgent care needed to manage severe migraines effectively, ensuring that you get back to feeling normal as quickly as possible.
