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The Stages of Migraine Headaches and How to get out of Pain

stages of migraine headachesMiami and Coral Gables, FL

If you suffer from migraine headaches, then you know just how debilitating they can be. It is estimated that nearly 38 million Americans suffer from migraines, and many of these people are only masking their pain with medication. Unfortunately, many primary care physicians misdiagnose these chronic headaches as something else, which is why the frequency of the pain reoccurs. If this sounds like you, the problem could be something more severe such as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.

Here are the four stages of migraine headaches and how you can stop the pain. If you experience any of these symptoms or have unrelenting migraines with no relief, contact your Miami dentist today for a TMD consultation.

The four steps are prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. For many sufferers, their migraine symptoms begin a couple of days before they realize a migraine is starting. Since migraines are often linked to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), you can seek treatment by wearing a custom-made oral appliance to relieve tension in the jaw joint. The oral appliance helps to position the lower jaw into proper alignment. In turn, this relieves stress on the jaw joints, and surrounding muscles and nerves, which are to blame for causing headaches of migraine-like intensity.

  • Prodrome – During this phase, you may exhibit symptoms associated with an upcoming migraine, but not feel any headache pain for a couple of days. Symptoms include irritability, depression, constipation, neck stiffness, food cravings, and uncontrollable yawning.
  • Aura – This phase may occur one to two hours before or during a migraine. It is the aura phase in which sufferers experience vision loss and sensitivity to light. Sometimes, bright shapes, spots, or flashing lights can be seen.
  • Headache – This phase can last up to 72 hours, if not treated in a timely and effective manner. Pain may be specific to one side of the head, or both. Sufferers will often experience vomiting, blurred vision, light and smell sensitivity, and light-headedness during this phase.
  • Postdrome – This phase signals the end of migraine suffering. However, it is during this phase that migraine sufferers feel drained or worn out.

Migraine pain can interfere with your life and become debilitating to some sufferers. For some, their frequent pain can even affect their family and social life, as well as their work. Understand that there is a relief for your pain. Oral appliance therapy has been proven to relieve migraine headaches that were associated with TMD.

By using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment paired with our experience with treating complicated TMD cases, we can find the perfect balance for your bite, which will relieve your headaches and any other symptoms associated with your TMJ disorder.

If you or someone you know suffers from migraines, consider a consultation with Miami Designer Smiles. Contact our office today at (305) 595-4616 to schedule an appointment.

Miami Designer Smiles is here to serve patients in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables, Florida.