Migraine Specialist
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Loudoun Neurology Associates
Parminder Chawla, MD
Neurologist located in Leesburg, VA
Migraines are painful enough, but when they don’t respond to traditional treatments, they can have a massive impact on your daily functioning. At Loudoun Neurology Associates in Lansdowne, Leesburg, Virginia, you can find, Parminder Chawla, MD, offers diagnostic and treatment services to help reduce, and maybe even eliminate, your migraine pain. If you live in or near Leesburg, Virginia, and need to find a way to treat your migraines, contact the neurologist with two decades of experience. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule.
Migraine Q & A
What does a migraine feel like?
When you have a migraine, you get a severe headache that creates a throbbing pain, often on just one side of the head. It may be accompanied by:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
These symptoms vary in intensity from mild to debilitating and often get worse with movement.
Around 25% of migraine sufferers experience an aura before their migraine pain begins. An aura is a combination of temporary neurological symptoms that may include visual disturbances, vertigo, numbness, confusion, or trouble talking. As these symptoms begin to subside, the migraine pain sets in.
Migraines last a few hours to a few days. In some extraordinary cases, they last even longer.
What causes migraines?
Most migraine headaches are primary headaches, meaning structural issues don't cause them. Specific triggers often lead to these headaches, and some of the most common ones include:
- Weather changes
- Lack of sleep
- Certain foods and drinks, including alcohol
- Strong smells
- Menstruation
About 10% of migraine headaches are secondary headaches. These headaches are a side effect of an underlying condition, which can include things like pinched nerves, dehydration, or more severe conditions like brain tumors.
If you suddenly have new or different headaches that are significantly worse than what you usually experience, seek medical attention. Although rare, unexplained headaches accompanied by extreme pain may indicate a severe medical condition, such as meningitis.
How are migraines treated?
Dr. Chawla considers multiple factors before determining the best course of treatment for your migraines. That may include the severity of your headaches and how often they occur. In some cases, he may request that you have an MRI to rule out certain migraine-causing conditions.
When your migraines are mild and infrequent, he recommends taking over-the-counter pain relievers only when necessary. If you’re getting multiple migraines a week, he may suggest a prophylactic medication that can prevent headaches from occurring.
In addition to medications, Dr. Chawla also encourages patients to modify their lifestyles, such as improving their sleep routines and eating healthier.
If you have migraines and are struggling to manage your symptoms, contact a neurologist who can help. Call the office to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chawla or book online today.
