Migraines

Migraines are one of the most excruciating headaches you can experience, and they’re a major cause of long-term disability. If you suffer with migraines, you can get the medical care you need from the experienced team at WellCare. The practice is based in Overland Park, Kansas, but offers exceptional migraine care through telehealth appointments, allowing them to serve adults living throughout the state. Call the WellCare office or use online booking today to request a virtual or telephone visit and get relief from your migraines.

Why do I have migraines?

Migraines begin when something triggers nerves in your head, causing them to send out a surge of electrical signals. As a result, blood flow increases, flooding the area with inflammatory substances and causing a severe migraine.

Your nerves may be activated by any number of triggers, including:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Drinking alcohol
• Dehydration
• Strong odors
• Hormone changes
• Bright or flashing lights
• Changes in the weather
• Certain foods

Chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed meat, and fermented foods are some of the top food triggers.

How will I feel during a migraine?

Migraines may go through four stages. However, most people don’t experience all of them. Many only have phase 3, the migraine attack.

Phase 1: Prodrome
Some people have symptoms like mood swings and food cravings a day or two before their migraine.

Phase 2: Aura
Aura refers to neurological changes that occur shortly before a migraine. You may see wavy lines, geometrical shapes, or flashing lights. Or you may experience unusual sensations like tingling. About 1 in 5 people with migraines have aura.

Phase 3: Migraine attack
Migraines begin with a throbbing pain near one temple. Your severe pain may progress to include both temples.

Migraines are renowned for causing other symptoms, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
• Sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch
• Facial pressure or sinus pain

Without treatment, migraines last at least four hours and may continue for up to three days.

Phase 4: Post-drome
Some people don’t fully recover for a day or longer after their migraine pain stops.

What treatments can I get for migraines?

Your WellCare provider prescribes medications that you take at the first sign of a migraine to reduce your pain and make it go away faster. They can also prescribe daily medicines that reduce the frequency and severity of future migraines.

In addition to medications, your provider can help you identify your triggers. Learning to avoid triggers is a good way to significantly reduce or eliminate migraine attacks.

If your migraines don’t improve with customized treatment from WellCare, your provider may refer you to a specialist for alternative treatments like Botox® injections (for chronic migraines) and neuromodulation (using electrical impulses to regulate nerves). 

You can get expert migraine care through telehealth visits by calling the WellCare office or requesting an appointment online.