Welcome to
The Migraine Clinic by Avella
Relax, Reduce Pain, and Improve Your Quality of Life with Migraine Relief
Understanding Migraines
Migraines, a complex neurological condition, have perplexed individuals with their enigmatic nature for ages. They transcend the realm of mere headaches, unveiling a symphony of sensory disturbances and physical discomfort.
Migraines often manifest as severe, pulsating headaches accompanied by a range of symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, visual disturbances, and even cognitive impairment. These episodes can disrupt daily life, leaving individuals fatigued and emotionally vulnerable.
Dr. Sharma and her staff provide me with pain management in so many forms, and this clinic is the most valuable resource in providing me with better quality of life. Dr. Sharma truly cares and listens, and believes me when I talk about my experience and pain. I have followed her from two other clinics and I’m very glad I could! I can count on this clinic and I feel confident in the fact that they care, and that’s a great feeling to have with any doctor.
Dr. Sharma and the staff are very welcoming and supportive. The office is very organized and responds well to emergencies when they arise. I appreciate the calm and empathic approach that the clinic takes when dealing with pain. This clinic also consistently is getting in cutting edge treatments into the office that improve the wellbeing of the clients they serve. I would fully recommend treatment with Dr. Sharma and at Avella Injury and Pain Management.
Migraine Symptoms
Throbbing Headache
Migraines pack a punch with their signature throbbing headache, which can unleash its intensity on one side or both sides of the head. Prepare for a lasting experience, as this unwelcome guest can linger for hours, or sometimes, even days.
Sensitivity to Light and Sound
When migraines strike, everyday light and sound transform into relentless adversaries. Even the gentlest glow or faintest noise becomes an assault on the senses, driving those affected to seek solace in the dark and tranquility of silence.
Nausea and Vomiting
Migraines often bring along an unwelcome companion in the form of nausea and vomiting. These gastrointestinal disturbances can either occur alongside the headache or serve as preludes to the main event. Quieting the queasiness can offer respite from the overall migraine ordeal.
Aura
In the realm of migraines, around one-third of warriors experience an ethereal phenomenon known as an “aura” before the main event. These sensory spectacles can present as visual changes like flickering lights or blind spots, tingling or numbness in the face or limbs, and even temporary speech difficulties.
Visual Disturbances
Migraines are notorious for their visual disturbances, putting on a psychedelic show that dazzles the mind. Zigzag lines, shimmering lights, and fleeting blindness in one eye might all grace the stage, captivating those in their thrall.
Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment
Migraine attacks leave no stone unturned, draining energy and muddling mental acuity. Lingering fatigue and difficulty concentrating become unwanted companions that loiter even after the headache retreats.
Increased Pain with Physical Activity
Beware the wrath of exertional or activity-induced migraines! These malicious migraines amplify their assault when faced with physical exertion, be it a flight of stairs or a routine exercise session.
Mood Changes
Migraines possess a cunning ability to sway emotions, casting a shadow over sunny dispositions. Irritability, depression, anxiety, and an overall sense of unease can become part of the intricate dance with this formidable condition, arriving before, during, or after a migraine episode.
Neck Stiffness
The migraine menace extends its reach, tightening its grip on the neck muscles. A sense of stiffness and tension in this area commonly accompanies migraine-related headaches, adding another layer of discomfort to the already challenging ordeal.
Comprehensive Hormonal Migraine Relief
Hormonal migraines, often linked to fluctuations in estrogen levels, present a unique set of challenges for individuals, particularly women. These migraines typically occur in relation to hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
These migraines tend to be recurrent, often coinciding with specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Seeking help from Avella Pain Clinic can provide migraine relief through specialized treatments and personalized strategies, addressing the complexities of hormonal migraines and helping individuals regain control over their lives.
Migraine Treatments
At Avella, we understand the profound impact migraines can have on your life, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options to address various aspects of this condition. From lifestyle counseling to advanced therapies, our goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Commonly utilized strategies at Avella’s Migraine Clinic for effective management of migraine headaches. Advanced treatment options, including onabotulinum toxin A injections (Botox), nerve block injections, CGRP monoclonal antibody injections, and trigger point injections, tailored to your unique needs.
Medications
Craniofacial Nerve Block Injections
Injections are given to block a single nerve or multiple nerves in an attempt to block nerve impulses. Doing so can be useful for diagnostics, or with managing migraine pain.
Infusion Therapy
Administering CGRP monoclonal antibodies directly into the bloodstream through intravenous injection at our onsite Infusion Clinic.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxin (Onabotulinumtoxin A) products are injected into specific areas to block nerve transmission at the neuromuscular junction leading to relaxation/weakness of the corresponding muscle. It is used for specific therapeutic indications including chronic migraines to manage pain, improve function, and quality of life.
Nutraceutical Therapy
Utilizing natural supplements and vitamins to support migraine prevention and overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A therapeutic approach that helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with migraines.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Techniques to cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress, promoting better migraine management.
FAQ
How do I know if I have a migraine or just a regular headache?
While tension headaches are more common, migraines tend to be more intense and can last for hours or days. Migraines often involve additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Can migraines be prevented, or are they unavoidable?
Migraines can often be prevented with the right treatment plan. While not all migraines can be entirely avoided, many patients see a reduction in frequency and severity through preventive measures. At Avella Pain Clinic, we help patients identify triggers, provide preventive medications, and implement lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of a migraine attack.
Can lifestyle changes help reduce migraine frequency?
Yes! Lifestyle changes can significantly help reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Regular sleep patterns, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods (like caffeine or chocolate), managing stress, and regular physical activity can all play an important role in migraine prevention. Our health care professionals can guide you on the best lifestyle modifications tailored to your needs.
Can migraines be caused by other medical conditions?
Yes, migraines can sometimes be triggered or worsened by other medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, sinus issues, or underlying neurological conditions. Our specialists perform thorough evaluations to identify any contributing factors and create a treatment plan that addresses both the migraines and any underlying conditions.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist at the Migraine Clinic?
Yes, you need a referral in order to receive treatment from Avella’s Migraine Clinic. Your primary healthcare provider can access and complete our patient referral form, which is available for download on our “Become a Patient” page. If you need further assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on the referral process.
What can I expect when seeing a migraine specialist?
When you see a health care professional at Avella Pain Clinic, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your medical history, migraine patterns, and any potential triggers. The specialist will likely ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your migraines, as well as any associated symptoms such as nausea or light sensitivity. Based on this information, they will create a personalized migraine treatment plan that may include medications, lifestyle recommendations, and other therapies.
Take the First Step Toward Migraine Relief
Schedule a Consultation at Avella’s Migraine Clinic Today!
Avella Injury & Pain is a pain management clinic located in Burlington, ON. Serving communities within the GTA so they can live pain-free with personalized treatment plans and get back to enjoying their lifestyle before pain.
Business Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Avella Injury and Pain Management
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational or informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here.