Migraines

There is no cure for migraines, but medications and new therapies help alleviate the most troublesome symptoms.

A migraine headache is an all-too-common neurological disease: a 2020 white paper found recurrent, pulsating headaches affect 4.8 million Australians. The pain relief experts at Austin Clinic are experienced with migraine triggers, symptoms, frequency, and severity, as well as traditional and non-traditional treatments.

Migraine symptoms include mild to severe head pain, coupled with nausea, light sensitivity, and vomiting. Migraine episodes may last for a few hours or a few days. Scientists have theories about the cause of migraines, but the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. They have identified common triggers such as hormonal changes, dehydration, stress, diet, and medication. Genetics may also play a role.

Over-the-counter pain killers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may provide effective relief from mild pain. For more severe discomfort, patients may require prescription medication. Muscle-relaxing injections have also proven to be an effective solution. Originally used by aesthetic professionals to minimise facial wrinkles, neurotoxins are now routinely used to relieve migraine pain.

Injections block the release of pain-producing chemicals in a part of the brain believed to be responsible for chronic migraine headaches. In addition to reducing severity, injections also reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. After approximately 12 weeks, nerves sprout new pain fibres, and the headaches tend to return. The treatment is only minimally invasive, with numbing gels used to ensure patient comfort. The experienced nurse injectors at Austin Clinic are skilled in using muscle-relaxing injections.