RECURRENT SEVERE HEADACHES WITH NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Migraine

Q: How is migraine different from a regular headache?

Migraine is typically more severe, throbbing, often on one side of the head, and is associated with nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and significant impact on daily activities. Regular headaches such as tension headaches are usually less severe and lack these accompanying features.

Q: When should I take preventive therapy for migraine?

Preventive therapy is generally considered when migraines are frequent (more than 4 per month), severe enough to disrupt daily life, do not respond well to acute therapy, or when patients cannot tolerate acute medications. Your doctor will personalise the decision.

Q: Can migraines be cured?

Migraines cannot currently be cured, but they can be very well controlled with the right combination of acute therapy, preventive therapy, trigger management and lifestyle modifications. Many patients achieve significant reduction in attack frequency and severity.

A recurrent, often severe headache disorder typically on one side, with nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes visual aura. Managed with acute therapy for attacks and preventive therapy for frequent episodes.

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Migraine consultation and headache treatment in Hyderabad

Recurrent EPISODIC DISORDER

Triggers Matter IDENTIFICATION HELPS

Manageable WITH STRUCTURED THERAPY

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Migraine

Migraine is a common neurological condition characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, typically on one side of the head, with a pulsating or throbbing quality. Attacks usually last 4 to 72 hours and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smell, and a strong desire to lie down in a quiet, dark room. Some patients experience a warning aura — visual disturbances, tingling or speech changes — before the headache begins. Triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, weather changes and strong sensory stimuli. Migraine significantly affects quality of life, work and family activities. Treatment combines acute therapy to abort attacks, preventive therapy for frequent or severe episodes, trigger identification and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive migraine evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Moderate to severe headache, often on one side Pulsating or throbbing quality of pain Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite Sensitivity to light, sound and smell Visual disturbances or aura before headache in some patients Worsening with physical activity Tiredness and difficulty concentrating during and after attacks

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Genetic predisposition and family history
Hormonal changes — menstrual cycle, pregnancy, oral contraceptives
Stress and emotional triggers
Lack of sleep or oversleeping
Certain foods, caffeine and alcohol
Weather changes and bright lights
Dehydration and skipped meals

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation based on characteristic features and headache diary

Types

Migraine without aura · Migraine with aura · Chronic migraine

Treatment

Acute therapy for attacks and preventive therapy for frequent episodes

Triggers

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers significantly reduces attacks

Red flags

Sudden severe headache, new headache after 50, fever or neurological signs need urgent evaluation

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Acute & Preventive Therapy with Trigger Identification

The most effective approach combines acute therapy to abort attacks quickly, preventive therapy for patients with frequent or severe episodes, identification and avoidance of personal triggers, and lifestyle modifications to reduce overall attack frequency.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews headache pattern, frequency and triggers, examines the patient and arranges imaging only when red-flag features are present.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created with acute therapy for attacks, preventive therapy when needed and a structured headache diary.
3

Medical Management

Acute therapy for attacks, preventive therapy for frequent or severe migraines, lifestyle modification and trigger avoidance.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Regular review of attack frequency and severity, adjustment of therapy and ongoing trigger and lifestyle counselling.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Acute Therapy for Attacks

Specific medical therapy taken early in an attack effectively aborts or significantly reduces the severity of migraine attacks.

Preventive Therapy for Frequent Migraines

Daily preventive medical therapy reduces the frequency and severity of attacks in patients with frequent or severe migraines.

Trigger Identification and Avoidance

Keeping a headache diary helps identify personal triggers — food, sleep, stress, hormonal — which can then be modified or avoided.

Lifestyle Modification

Regular sleep, adequate hydration, regular meals, stress management and regular exercise all significantly reduce migraine frequency.

Specialist Referral for Refractory Cases (Referral for neurology)

Patients with frequent, severe or treatment-resistant migraines benefit from specialist neurology evaluation and advanced therapies.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How is migraine different from a regular headache?+

When should I take preventive therapy for migraine?+

Can migraines be cured?+

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