Migraines regularly affect as many as 12% of Americans. Migraines are often referred to as intense headaches, but they’re actually an entire neurological experience that can interfere with work and daily life. At Houston West TMS in Houston, Texas, William Drell, MD, is a Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) specialist and board-certified psychiatrist who offers innovative solutions to chronic migraine problems. Call the office or request a consultation online to learn how you can possibly reduce or eliminate migraine episodes.

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What are migraines?

Migraines often appear as intense headaches that make it hard to function in everyday life. Often, these headaches recur — up to 15 or more times per month. Chronic migraines are disabling and make it almost impossible to go to school, attend work, perform daily chores, or enjoy activities.

Symptoms of migraines usually include:

  • Severe pain on one side of your head
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Seeing flashes of light, blind spots, or zigzag lines
  • You may experience an aura prior to the onset of a migraine, too.

Why do people experience migraines?

The exact reason why some people experience migraines isn’t fully understood. Women are more likely to experience migraines. There also seems to be a hereditary link.

In some people, the environment can activate episodes. Diet, for example, can trigger migraines in some people, especially when they consume the food additive MSG, aspartame, alcohol, chocolate, and aged cheese. Bright lights and flickering images may induce migraines in some people.

Sleep deprivation, stress, low blood sugar, and dehydration are other factors that can activate episodes. You can consult your primary care doctor or a neurologist to help you identify triggers and to discuss medication options. If these treatments do not give you the relief you want, Deep TMS might help alleviate some of your symptoms. Please note that TMS is not FDA approved for Migraines or headaches and will not be covered by your insurance.

What treatments are available for migraines?

Migraines can coexist with disorders such as anxiety and depression. Relieving these conditions can help ease migraines, so talk therapy and other interventions to boost mental health can help reduce the incidences of migraines.

Dr. Drell is a Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) specialist who offers this noninvasive, FDA-approved device to help ease migraine episodes. The device delivers magnetic stimulation to your brain, which creates electrical currents in the brain that may reduce headache symptoms. According to research, this treatment may reduce headache days by as much as one third.

If you suffer frequent migraine pain with or without anxiety and depression and have not received adequate results with conventional treatments, give Houston West TMS a call for an evaluation or request your appointment online.