Migraine and Post-Traumatic Headache Treatment in Houston

Headaches can range from mildly disruptive to completely debilitating. Migraines and post-traumatic headaches are among the most common and disabling neurological conditions, often interfering with work, sleep, and quality of life.

At St. Michael Clinics, we provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment for migraine headaches and post-traumatic headaches, helping patients reduce pain, frequency, and long-term complications.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological headache disorder characterized by moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, often affecting one side of the head. Migraines are frequently accompanied by additional symptoms that distinguish them from ordinary headaches.

Common migraine symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting

Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)

Sensitivity to smells

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Blurred or distorted vision

Migraine attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to up to three days if untreated.

Migraine Aura

Some individuals experience a migraine aura, which is a temporary neurological warning sign that typically occurs 10–15 minutes before the headache begins.

Aura symptoms may include:

Flashes of light or visual disturbances

Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs

Difficulty speaking or finding words

Migraines can occur with or without aura, and both types are treatable.

What Is a Post-Traumatic Headache?

Post-traumatic headaches are headaches that develop after a head injury or concussion, even if the injury was mild. These headaches may resemble migraines or tension-type headaches and can become chronic if not properly managed.

Post-traumatic headaches are commonly associated with:

Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Motor vehicle accidents

Falls or sports injuries

Workplace or occupational injuries

Causes and Triggers of Migraine

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to involve abnormal nerve signaling and changes in blood vessel activity within the brain. Genetics and environmental factors often play a role.

Common migraine triggers include:

• Skipped meals or dehydration
• Hormonal changes (especially during menstruation)
• Birth control pills or hormonal therapy
• Stress or emotional strain
• Poor sleep habits
• Alcohol consumption
• Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
• Bright lights or loud sounds
• Strong or unusual smells (such as paint thinner)
• Certain foods, including:
• Dairy products
• Chocolate
• Peanuts

Identifying triggers is an important part of long-term migraine management.

How Migraines Are Diagnosed

When you visit St. Michael Clinics for migraine or post-traumatic headache evaluation, your physician will perform a thorough assessment that includes:

• Detailed headache history and symptom review
• Evaluation of headache frequency, duration, and severity
• Review of family history
• Neurological examination

Diagnostic testing such as blood work, CT scans, or MRI imaging may be ordered to rule out other causes of headache, such as structural abnormalities, infections, or vascular conditions.

Treatment for Migraine and Post-Traumatic Headaches

Treatment is tailored to each patient based on headache type, severity, frequency, and underlying causes. The goal is to reduce pain, prevent future headaches, and improve daily function.

Preventive Migraine Treatment

Preventive medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. These may include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Other migraine-specific preventive therapies

Abortive (Acute) Migraine Treatment

Abortive medications are taken at the onset of a migraine to stop or reduce the severity of the attack. These may include migraine-specific agents and pain-relieving medications.

Symptom-Targeted Therapies

Additional medications may be used to manage associated symptoms, such as:

• Anti-nausea medications
• Medications for dizziness or vertigo
• Sleep-supporting treatments

Post-Traumatic Headache Management

Post-traumatic headache treatment may involve a combination of:

• Medication management
• Cognitive and neurological evaluation
• Vestibular or balance therapy (if indicated)
• Gradual return-to-activity planning

Early and accurate treatment is essential to prevent chronic post-traumatic headache syndromes.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek evaluation if headaches:

• Are severe, frequent, or worsening
• Interfere with daily activities
• Begin after a head injury
• Are associated with neurological symptoms
• Do not respond to over-the-counter medications

Migraine and Headache Care at St. Michael Clinics

At St. Michael Clinics, we take a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to headache care, addressing both neurological and lifestyle factors that contribute to migraines and post-traumatic headaches.

Our goal is not just pain relief—but long-term control and improved quality of life.