Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches that usually occur on one side of the head. Unlike most headaches, migraines can last for hours or even days. The pain can be so intense that some people find themselves unable to do anything but lie in bed and try to cope with the pain.
We accept patients on a walk-in basis – no appointment necessary! But if you have questions regarding our migraine treatment services in Arlington or Colleyville, feel free to call us at (817) 799-7273.
Migraines are still something of a mystery to modern medicine, but there are treatments and recommended lifestyle changes that can help patients manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of migraines. If you are suffering from a migraine in Arlington, visit Urgentology Care in Arlington today for help.
When you arrive at our clinic with a severe headache, our team first works to determine whether you are experiencing a migraine or a different condition that may require emergency care. Staff members review your medical history, ask about when your symptoms started, and check your vital signs to look for concerning changes. This step helps us decide if urgent treatment at our center is appropriate or if you need immediate transfer to a hospital emergency department for further evaluation.
For patients who can safely be treated at our urgent care, we focus on relieving pain and associated symptoms as quickly as possible. Providers may recommend medications that can be given by mouth, injection, or IV, depending on how nauseated you feel and how long the migraine has been present. We also review what you have already taken at home so that we do not duplicate medications or combine products that should not be used together. Our goal is to offer safe, prompt care so you can return home and rest comfortably.
Headache or Migraine?
If you have had a migraine before, you probably do not need help telling it apart from a regular headache. Most people experience their first migraine during childhood or adolescence. The symptoms of a migraine are very distinct, so it is not usually difficult to identify one when it occurs.
Migraines have four stages. Not all patients will experience every stage, but you can usually recognize a migraine if you experience some of the following symptoms:
Prodrome Stage – These symptoms may occur a few days before a migraine occurs.
- Constipation
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth and increased urination
Aura Stage – This stage can occur before or during a migraine. Fortunately, it is rare for many patients with migraines to experience this stage. The symptoms can last for up to an hour.
- Vision problems
- Difficulty speaking
- Numb, tingling feelings in an arm or leg
- Muscle weakness
- Hearing noises
- Uncontrolled jerking movements
Attack Stage – This is the primary migraine stage. This stage includes some of the telltale symptoms of a migraine, which usually last for at least four hours.
- Headache pain, usually on one side of the head
- Throbbing sensations in the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
Postdrome Stage – This can be considered the aftermath phase of a migraine. Patients will continue to feel disorienting symptoms for several hours as their body recovers from the migraine.
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Feelings of elation or fatigue
- Weakness
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
Migraines are more common in women, and they are often triggered by stress, overusing medication, drinking too much alcohol, physical exertion, and other outside factors.
Treating & Managing Migraines in Arlington
There are many medications designed to treat the symptoms of a migraine. You should ask a medical professional for their recommendation before picking one up. Some medications are more effective depending on your medical history and the triggers that led to your migraine.
If you have had one migraine, there is an increased risk that you will have another. During treatment, your doctor will ask questions to find out what might have triggered your migraine. Depending on what is discovered, different preventative measures will be recommended that can reduce your risk of developing another migraine.
At Urgentology Care, your provider may also talk with you about what you were doing in the hours before your migraine began, including sleep patterns, work demands, and exposure to bright light or strong smells. Understanding these details can help identify avoidable triggers and guide short-term changes that make a difference in your daily life. Patients who visit us from Arlington and nearby communities often find that small adjustments, such as staying hydrated or planning regular meals, can work together with medical treatment to reduce migraine disruptions.
For many people, creating a simple plan for what to do when a migraine starts can lower stress and help symptoms feel more manageable. Your care plan might include which medication to take first, when to rest in a dark room, and when to seek urgent care if your usual steps are not working. By reviewing this plan with a provider, you can feel more confident about when it is safe to treat at home and when it is better to come into the clinic for further support.
For many patients, the following migraine care steps are part of an effective plan:
- Identify personal triggers by tracking sleep, stress, diet, and hormone changes in a simple headache diary.
- Use medications correctly by following dosing instructions and avoiding taking pain relievers too frequently, which can cause rebound headaches.
- Create a calm environment by resting in a dark, quiet room and limiting screen time when early migraine signs appear.
- Stay hydrated and nourished with regular fluids and balanced meals, especially during busy days in Arlington heat.
- Schedule follow-up care with a primary provider or headache clinic if migraines become more frequent or harder to control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraines
When Should I Seek Emergency Medical Attention for a Migraine?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache, especially if it is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as meningitis or stroke.
Can I Prevent Migraines?
While you cannot completely prevent migraines, you can reduce their frequency and severity by identifying and avoiding triggers. Keeping a migraine diary can help you identify patterns and potential triggers.
Can Stress Trigger Migraines?
Yes, stress is a common migraine trigger. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Can Hormonal Changes Cause Migraines?
Yes, hormonal changes, particularly those associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger migraines. Hormonal therapy may help manage hormone-related migraines.
Can Diet Affect Migraines?
Certain foods and drinks can trigger migraines in some people. Common triggers include alcohol and caffeine.
Learn more about our Arlington migraine treatment services. No appointments are needed, but you can call us at (817) 799-7273 if you would prefer to prepare us for your visit.
