• Covid-19
  • Find A Provider
  • Patient Portal (eCare)
  • Careers
  • Make a Gift
  • WCHConnect App
  • (330) 263-8100
  • Covid-19
  • Find a Provider
  • Patient Portal (eCare)
  • Careers
  • Make a Gift
  • (330) 263-8100
Wooster Community Hospital - Health System
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
  • Services
        • Custom Services Menu Nov2021

          • View All Services
          • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
          • Emergency Care
          • Endocrinology
          • Gastroenterology
          • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
          • Obstetrics
          • Pharmacy
          • Cancer Care Cancer Care
          • Rehabilitation Rehabilitation
          • Women's Health Women's Health
          • Behavioral Health Behavioral Health
          • Cardiovascular Care Cardiovascular Care
          • Surgery Surgery
  • Services
        • Behavioral Health Services
        • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
        • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
        • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
        • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
        • Colonoscopy
        • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
        • Diagnostic Imaging
        • Emergency Care
        • Endocrinology
        • Endoscopy
        • ERcheckin
        • Gastroenterology
        • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
        • Home Health Services
        • Home Helpers
        • Hospitalists
        • Internal Medicine
        • Intensive Care Unit - ICU
        • Inpatient Rehabilitation
        • Joint Center
        • Laboratory
        • Medical/Surgical Unit
        • Neurology
        • Nutrition & Diabetes
        • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
        • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
        • Orthopedics
        • Pain Management
        • Pharmacy
        • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
        • Progressive Care Unit - PCU
        • Pulmonary Health
        • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
        • Sleep Medicine
        • Speech Therapy
        • Spine Surgery
        • Stroke Center
        • Surgery
        • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
        • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
        • Wound Healing Center
        • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
        • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
        • Vascular Surgery
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
    • WCH Friends Program
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos
Wooster Community Hospital - Health System
WCH Friends Program
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
  • Services
  • Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
    • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
    • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
    • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
    • Colonoscopy
    • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Care
    • Endocrinology
    • Endoscopy
    • ERcheckin
    • Gastroenterology
    • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
    • Home Health Services
    • Home Helpers
    • Hospitalists
    • Internal Medicine
    • Intensive Care Unit – ICU
    • Inpatient Rehabilitation
    • Joint Center
    • Laboratory
    • Medical/Surgical Unit
    • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
    • Neurology
    • Nutrition & Diabetes
    • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
    • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
    • Orthopedics
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
    • Pain Management
    • Pharmacy
    • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Progressive Care Unit – PCU
    • Pulmonary Health
    • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Surgery
    • Stroke Center
    • Surgery
    • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
    • Vascular Surgery
    • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
    • Wound Healing Center
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
    • WCH Friends Program
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos
WCH Friends Program
You are here: Home / Patient Education Article

Migraine Headache

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Prevention
  • Am I at Risk
  • Complications
  • Advancements

Introduction

Migraine headache pain can be severe and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to odors, light and sound.  If untreated, migraine symptoms can be so severe that people need to lie down for a few hours or days.  Although there is no cure for migraines, there are a variety of effective treatments including medications to relieve symptoms, medications to prevent episodes, and lifestyle changes that can help.
Back to top

Anatomy

Researchers suspect that migraines may be caused by a nerve impulses (trigeminal nerve) that sends signals about pain and also causes the blood vessels (arteries) that send blood to the head to open wider (dilate) and cause pain. 
Back to top

Causes

Migraines are a type of primary headache, meaning that they are not caused by an underlying medical condition.  The precise cause of migraine headache is unknown; however, researchers suspect that it involves changes in the way the trigeminal nerve functions and certain brain chemical fluctuations.
Back to top

Symptoms

Migraines cause moderate to severe pain.  The pain may occur on one side or both sides of your head.  Your pain may get worse with exercise or activity.  The pain may pulse or throb.  You may have nausea or vomiting.  You may be sensitive to odors, light or sound.  Some people experience an aura before a migraine begins.  An aura may include seeing flashes or zigzags of light, feeling pins and needles in an arm or leg, or weakness or speech problems.  Some people experience other symptoms (prodome) such as feeling tired, irritable, depressed, thirsty, or energetic or cravings for sweet food. Migraines can last from hours to days and may recur. 
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose migraine headache by reviewing your medical history and symptoms.  Your examination may include imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, to rule out more serious conditions.  You may be asked to keep a record of your headaches for your doctor to review.
Back to top

Treatment

There are a variety of medications to help relieve the symptoms of migraines.  Migraines are treated with over-the-counter or prescription pain-relieving medications.  Your doctor may prescribe preventative medications as well. 
Back to top

Prevention

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent migraines from occurring.  You may help prevent migraine headaches by:

• Avoiding the triggers that cause your migraines, such as alcohol or specific foods
• Perform regular aerobic exercise
• Ask your doctor about possible alternatives if you take estrogen medication
• Establish regular sleep patterns
• Practice relaxation techniques

Back to top

Am I at Risk

Triggers and Risk Factors for Migraines:

• Hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal medication
• Not eating or skipping meals
• Certain foods including alcohol, aged cheese, chocolate, fermented food, pickled food, marinated food, or MSG
• Stress
• Bright lights or glare
• Certain odors or scents
• Changes in sleep pattern
• Intense physical activity such as exercise or sexual activity
• Certain medications
• Weather, seasons, pressure, or altitude changes

Back to top

Complications

Untreated migraines can be disabling and interfere with work or social activities.
Back to top

Advancements

BOTOX® injections, acupuncture, biofeedback and behavior therapy can be used to help prevent migraines from occurring.  Recent research indicates that taking headache medications early, at the onset of the headache, can shorten the headache duration.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

Learn about common medical conditions and treatments in our interactive patient education center.

Read More

Tell us what you think!

Tell us what you think!

We’d love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and read about the experiences others have had at Wooster Community Hospital.

Leave a Review Read Reviews
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Community
  • Careers
  • Telehealth
  • Locations
  • Contact Us

1761 Beall Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691 | Phone: (330) 263-8100

Copyright © Wooster Community Hospital. All Rights Reserved.

  • Employees/Physicians
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Discrimination Policy
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Wooster Community Hospital (WCH) Health System offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services serving the residents of Wayne County, Ohio. Our health care services include urgent care, cardiac rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, wound healing, behavioral health services, weight loss management, emergency care, cardiovascular services, outpatient rehabilitation services, inpatient withdrawal treatments, comprehensive cancer care, women's health care, diabetic services, robotic-assisted surgery, anesthesiology, chiropractic services, colonoscopy, endocrinology, endoscopy, internal medicine, pulmonary health services, pharmacy services, orthopedics, speech therapy, sleep medicine, and oncology and infusion services.

You have a lot to gain from being proactive about your health. Wooster Community Hospital’s VIP patient loyalty program now offers even more rewards and incentives!

  • Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com
Copyright © WCH Friends Program. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Immediate Care
    • COVID-19
    • Emergency Care
    • Telehealth (WCH Virtual Visits)
    • Walk-In Care (Mt. Hope NowClinic)
    • Walk-In Care (NowClinic)
    • Back
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Gift Shop
    • For Patients
      • Advance Directive
      • Estimate Cost of Care
      • Discrimination Policy
      • Financial Assistance
      • HCAP Care Assurance Application
      • Home Medical Equipment
      • Language Services
      • Medical Records
      • Pricing/Package Prices
      • Patient Care & Privacy
      • Patient Registration
      • Spiritual Care
      • Back
    • For Visitors
      • Call a Patient
      • Dining Options
      • Inpatient Units
      • Visiting Hours
      • Back
    • Recognize An Employee (STARS Program)
    • Send a Card
    • Back
  • Services
  • Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists
    • Cardiovascular Services – The Cardiovascular Institute
    • Cancer Care – Comprehensive Cancer Care
    • HealthPoint Chiropractic Services
    • Colonoscopy
    • Drug/Alcohol Withdrawal Program
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Care
    • Endocrinology
    • Endoscopy
    • ERcheckin
    • Gastroenterology
    • Health & Wellness – HealthPoint
    • Home Health Services
    • Home Helpers
    • Hospitalists
    • Internal Medicine
    • Intensive Care Unit – ICU
    • Inpatient Rehabilitation
    • Joint Center
    • Laboratory
    • Medical/Surgical Unit
    • NowClinic (Walk-In Care)
    • Neurology
    • Nutrition & Diabetes
    • Obstetrics – Women’s Pavilion
    • Occupational Health/Corporate Care
    • Orthopedics
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPoint
    • Pain Management
    • Pharmacy
    • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Progressive Care Unit – PCU
    • Pulmonary Health
    • Skilled Nursing – Transitional Care Unit
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Speech Therapy
    • Spine Surgery
    • Stroke Center
    • Surgery
    • Vascular Lab & Blood Flow Screening
    • Vascular Surgery
    • Women’s Health – Women’s Specialty Center
    • Wound Healing Center
    • Back
  • Community
    • Amish Liaison
    • Annual Reports
    • CPR Courses
    • Community Care Network
    • Giving to WCH
    • Medical Alert Device
    • Support Groups
    • Sustainability
    • Transportation Services
    • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Shop for a Gift
      • Volunteer Services
      • WCH Auxiliary
      • Back
    • WCH Friends Program
    • Back
  • HealthPoint
    • Health & Wellness
    • HealthPoint Store
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation
    • Back
  • About Us
    • Awards
    • Blog
    • Careers
    • Job Shadowing
    • Student Observer
    • Contact Us
    • News
    • Our History
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Providers – WCH Affiliated
    • Read Reviews
    • WCHConnect App
    • Back
  • FIND A PROVIDER
  • PATIENT PORTAL
  • PAY BILL
  • MAKE A GIFT
  • Home
  • Healthy Eating
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • New Providers
  • WCH Incentives
  • Videos