According to a study published in 2018, 1 out of every 6 Americans reported migraine and a severe headache over a period of three months.
Migraine affects millions of people in the United States, affecting their general health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
When a migraine strikes, knowing the best course of action for relief is difficult. Many people go to emergency care facilities, but the waiting time and the crowded rooms make them feel worse.
Let’s explore a reliable option: visiting an urgent care for a migraine headache. Can urgent care help manage it? What treatment options are offered at urgent care?
Buckle up! Because all your questions will be answered clearly within the next five minutes.
Symptoms Of Migraine That You Should Not Ignore
Before we discuss whether urgent care is a reliable option, let’s learn some symptoms of migraine that need medical attention.
Sometimes, experiencing a mild headache is usual, but there are some symptoms that alarm the beginning of a migraine attack:
- Flashes of light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intolerance to light and sound
- Temporary vision loss
- Pins and needle sensation in arm or legs
If your migraine is not getting better and is getting worse day by day, then you should not waste time and seek a doctor’s advice immediately.
Should I Go To Urgent Care or Emergency Care For Migraine?
If you are experiencing mild migraine symptoms, urgent care is a better option than emergency care. The waiting time at urgent care is usually 10 to 15 minutes, so you can expect quicker relief there as the doctors will prescribe the appropriate medication.
Research conducted in New York City reveals that urgent care centres are becoming a popular choice for migraine sufferers because the environment in urgent care is calmer and less chaotic, so if you are going through acute symptoms of migraine, then urgent care is a better option for sure.
On the other side, if you experience severe symptoms of migraine, then it is recommended to go for emergency care. These include
- Sudden severe headache that is unbearable
- Blurred vision or loss of vision
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty in speaking
- Seizure
Most of the time, mild symptoms of migraine resolve on their own in a day or so, but some migraine headaches can get prolonged, so in this case, you can visit a nearby urgent care clinic to get quick relief.
What Can Urgent Care Do For Migraine?
Urgent care clinics can provide quick relief for your migraine symptoms; they also provide appropriate medication and hydration therapy to help alleviate severe symptoms.
Urgent care providers will perform a thorough medical evaluation for migraine, help you identify the triggers and then suggest a suitable personalized treatment option. If needed, the doctor may do some blood tests or order a scan for an accurate diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals in urgent care centers educate patients regarding migraine symptoms and help them follow preventive measures to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Five Common Causes of Migraine Headache
Identifying the causes of migraine attacks can help reduce the frequency, as once you know the triggers, you can take immediate action to prevent the migraine.
1. Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of migraines. When you are worried about a certain situation, your body reacts and releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This condition makes you feel overwhelmed, which can trigger a migraine attack.
2. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are also a reason for a migraine headache. Particularly, women go through more hormonal changes as compared to men, so during puberty and pregnancy, some females may experience migraine symptoms.
3. Unhealthy diet or skipping meals
Caffeine, alcohol, and cheese are known to trigger migraine attacks. Another common cause is when you skip meals, which can lower the sugar level and lead to migraine.
Identifying your triggers and maintaining regular eating habits are important for preventing and alleviating migraines effectively.
4. Poor sleep quality
One recent study examined the relationship between sleep and migraines and reported that people who do not get enough sleep eventually get migraine. Therefore, it is important to get enough sleep so that your body can function normally.
5. Medication
Some medications may trigger a migraine attack, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, nitroglycerin, etc. If you feel a headache after taking any medicines, then go to your healthcare provider and seek medical attention immediately.
Other Types of Headaches Treated At Urgent Care
When you experience a throbbing headache but are unsure whether it is a migraine or other type of headache, you should consult a doctor. Every type of headache is different, and treatment is tailored to each type.
Let’s go through some types of headaches treated at urgent care clinics.
Tension-type headache: The most common type of headache which is caused by stress or anxiety. The symptoms are tightness or dull pain around the head. It may also involve the back part of the head or neck.
Sinus Headache: It is usually caused by inflammation and congestion of the sinuses. You may feel pressure-like pain in one specific area of your face, head, or even behind the eyes, along with other symptoms such as cough, fever and loss of smell or taste.
Cluster Headaches: They usually occur behind or around the eye or on one side of the head. Common symptoms include swelling, redness of the eye, and nasal congestion. It can last from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
If you’re not feeling better and don’t know what kind of headache you have, seek a doctor’s advice. Your healthcare professional at urgent care will guide you about the type and suggest treatment according to your condition.
Want Prompt Care For The Throbbing Headache? Contact Family Urgent Care For Quick Relief
We understand the unbearable pain that occurs in migraine! Therefore, you do not need to wait for long hours to receive quality treatment from our urgent care providers.
We are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools that help us understand the specific triggers and the core reason why the patient is getting migraine, enabling us to make a more tailored treatment for the patient.
Cannot walk into the clinic because of hectic schedules or busy traffic? No worries! You can contact our providers through online video or phone consultations and get a prescription online sent directly to a nearby pharmacy.
Time to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and get rid of the pain faster! Book an appointment or even walk into our clinic in Indiana or Illinois if you live nearby.