What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Migraines?
The Albany Clinic • August 4, 2022
You have headaches so bad that you can’t sleep. Your vision is disrupted, and the pain can last for days, nearly becoming debilitating. You may be experiencing symptoms of a kind of headache called a migraine which affects millions of U.S. adults. The good news? The symptoms can be treated.
What Are Migraines?
“ A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.”
What about warning signs? Look for flashes of light, blind spots, and tingling on the face or limbs.
Know The Symptoms
If you have a migraine, you may experience four different phases but not necessarily every time you have a migraine. These phases include:
- Prodrome may start as soon as 24 hours before the migraine begins. People in this phase may get early signs and symptoms, like food cravings, inexplicable mood changes, wild yawning episodes, retaining bodily fluids, and urinating more often.
- You might experience flashing or intense lights or zig-zag patterns during an aura. You could also experience weakened muscles or have the sensation you’re being grabbed or touched. This phase can happen before or during a migraine.
- Many people are familiar with the headache phase. This is usually how a migraine begins, gradually, and then amps up in severity. It usually results in throbbing or pounding pain, often localized to one side of the head. Other symptoms to watch for in this phase: you’re more sensitive to light, noise, and smells; you may become nauseous and vomit; and suffer worse pain if you cough, move, or sneeze
- Afterward, you may then migrate into the Postdrome phase, characterized by exhaustion, weakness, and a general state of confusion. This period may persist for up to a day.
People frequently wake up with migraines or at other predictable times .
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Migraines?
What works for one person to manage a headache may not be the answer for someone else. Some people commit to regular therapy, while others choose newer treatment options like ketamine . But there may be simple lifestyle changes worth considering, including:
- Get a good night’s sleep . Find a schedule that works, and stick with it. “It’s best to keep your bedtime and the number of hours of sleep you get the same each night.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need seven or more hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, which can help manage migraine symptoms.
- Exercise is another lifestyle change that may defend against a migraine. Some research discovered that moderate exercise might reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.
- Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated to ward off migraines. The University of California, Irvine, says eating “regularly at mealtimes or having small frequent meals throughout the day are associated with less frequent migraine headaches. Have a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, good fats, fruits, vegetables, and maintain adequate hydration.”
- Writing down your thoughts can be a great way to reduce stress and potentially lower the risk of migraine or its symptoms. For this reason, put pen to paper and keep a diary . Keep daily records of frequency, severity, duration, patterns or triggers, what medicine you may be taking, and maintain long-term records to share with your healthcare provider to develop a successful treatment program, including asking about ketamine therapy.
Diagnosing & Treating Migraines
If you experience migraines or there’s a history of migraines among biological relatives, a doctor who specializes in treating headaches (a neurologist) may make a diagnosis depending on your medical history, triggers, or symptoms, and by conducting a physical exam and neurological assessment. In some cases, you may be referred to a mental health specialist to determine if there’s a psychological component to your symptoms.
Some cases which are so severe could require other tests or diagnostic procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging or a computerized tomography scan. Treatment could include ketamine, pain relievers, or resting in a dark room .
Final Thoughts
If you experience migraines, you’re not alone. About 16 percent of U.S. adults get them, but you don’t have to suffer. There are many available kinds of treatment. The key to diffusing the pain is recognizing symptoms and, if you can’t manage them on your own, finding help .
The post What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Migraines? appeared first on The Albany Clinic.
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Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. Nightmares, flashbacks, and a constant sense of being “on edge” can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you’ve tried therapy or medications without lasting relief, you’re not alone—and there may be another option. At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we specialize in ketamine therapy as a promising treatment for PTSD. Understanding PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing trauma. While everyone responds to trauma differently, common symptoms include: Intrusive memories or flashbacks Avoidance of reminders of the trauma Emotional numbness or detachment Heightened anxiety , irritability , or trouble sleeping Some people also develop complex PTSD (CPTSD) , which stems from repeated or prolonged trauma. CPTSD often comes with additional challenges, such as difficulty regulating emotions or maintaining healthy relationships. Current Treatments and Their Limitations The most common treatments for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) , and antidepressant medications . For many people, these treatments can be helpful. However, they also come with challenges: Medications may take weeks to work and don’t help everyone. Therapy can take months or years to create lasting change. Therapies can be difficult to engage with, as they involve discussing the trauma, which can be distressing or may cause someone to shut down emotionally. Some individuals continue to experience severe symptoms despite treatment. This is where ketamine therapy offers a new avenue of hope. How Ketamine May Help PTSD Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of gradually altering brain chemistry, ketamine acts quickly on key brain circuits involved in mood and fear. Rebalancing brain activity : Ketamine boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex , the part of the brain that helps regulate emotions. It also decreases activity in the amygdala , the brain’s fear center, helping reduce anxiety and hypervigilance. Promoting neuroplasticity : Ketamine encourages new connections between brain areas, helping “rewire” pathways associated with PTSD symptoms. Supporting fear extinction : Ketamine supports fear extinction, the process by which the brain ‘unlearns’ fearful responses to things it expects to be threatening. This is especially important in PTSD, where people may react to safe situations or cues as if they were actual threats. Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD Research continues to grow, but studies and clinical experience have shown several promising benefits: Rapid relief : Many patients notice improvements within hours to days, rather than weeks. This can be especially important during a mental health crisis or for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Effective when other treatments have failed : Ketamine can offer relief even for people who haven’t responded to medications or therapy. Sustained improvement : With a series of treatments, many patients experience lasting relief from PTSD symptoms. Increases the benefits of other therapies : Ketamine may speed up the outcomes of other trauma-based therapies, such as prolonged exposure therapy . In a 2021 study , people with severe PTSD received either ketamine or a comparison drug over two weeks. Those given ketamine showed much faster and greater improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms. About 67% had significantly improved symptoms , with the biggest differences in intrusive memories, avoidance, and negative thoughts and mood. The treatment was also well-tolerated with few adverse effects. Ketamine Treatment for PTSD at the Albany Clinic At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we are dedicated to providing safe, effective ketamine therapy for people with PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. We administer ketamine intravenously to support a rapid reduction in symptoms. Here’s what you can expect: A thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before treatment begins Comfortable, private treatment rooms Careful monitoring by experienced medical professionals throughout each session A personalized treatment plan designed around your needs During your treatment, you’ll have a small plastic catheter inserted into a vein in your arm, which will deliver ketamine straight into your bloodstream. You may experience mild side effects, such as dizziness and dissociation , which can make you feel disconnected from your body and the world around you. These typically wear off after the session is finished. The infusion takes 45 minutes to one hour , and you’ll be closely monitored by staff during the infusion and afterwards to ensure your safety. We’ll provide you with guidance on aftercare once you’re done and how to make the most of your new headspace. Most people with PTSD require multiple infusions to experience sustained, meaningful changes. However, the treatment plan will be tailored according to your unique needs. Get in Touch Today If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and current treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, ketamine therapy may be an option worth exploring. At the Albany Clinic, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch to find out more.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people across all walks of life. While many find relief through traditional methods, they don’t work for everyone. Some people can struggle with depression for nearly a lifetime, and in severe cases, may even consider taking their own lives. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in innovative, evidence-based treatments that can help patients overcome depression, even when other therapies haven’t worked. In this article, we’ll discuss these treatments and how clinics such as our own are saving lives.
As ketamine therapy becomes increasingly popular for treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, more people are exploring their options. At-home ketamine therapy gained traction during the pandemic for its convenience, but without medical supervision, this approach may come with elevated risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences and pros and cons of in-clinic versus at-home ketamine therapy. What Is In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy? IV Ketamine Treatment In-clinic ketamine therapy involves receiving treatment at a licensed medical facility, such as The Albany Clinic , where professionals monitor and administer the medication under strict protocols. This ensures your safety, especially during your initial sessions. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy , which has been most well-researched when it comes to treating mental health disorders. IV ketamine bypasses the digestive system, delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream. IV ketamine can help relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression , anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and more. During an infusion at our clinic, you’ll rest in a calm, controlled environment while ketamine is delivered into a vein through a catheter. Our trained staff will closely monitor your vital signs and mental state throughout the session, adjusting the dose of ketamine if needed. We’ll observe you after treatment to ensure any side effects are managed promptly and effectively. Spravato We also offer Spravato (esketamine) at our clinic, a nasal spray based on ketamine. Unlike other forms of ketamine treatment, Spravato is approved by the FDA and is specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts . Spravato is only approved for in-clinic use under professional supervision and cannot be administered at home, making clinical oversight a legal and medical necessity for this treatment option. During a Spravato session, you’ll self-administer the medication under the supervision of our medical staff. We’ll then closely monitor you for a couple of hours to ensure you’re safe and all side effects have subsided before leaving. What Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy? At-home ketamine therapy allows patients to self-administer the ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges or nasal sprays, delivered via mail. While this option offers flexibility, it usually involves minimal supervision , often limited to virtual check-ins with healthcare providers. Some at-home providers offer optional video support during sessions, but this is not always the case. Patients are largely responsible for monitoring their own physical and emotional reactions, without the benefit of immediate medical intervention if adverse effects occur. At-home treatment often includes supplementary materials , such as guided meditations or journaling tools. However, the lack of real-time clinical oversight makes this option less ideal for those with complex or severe mental health needs. Safety Considerations: In-Clinic vs. At-Home While ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients, it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects , including: Physical Risks: Elevated blood pressure or heart rate Nausea or vomiting Sedation or dizziness Impaired coordination Rare allergic reactions Psychological Risks: Hallucinations or dissociation Temporary confusion or anxiety Emotional vulnerability during treatment Risk of misuse or dependency The FDA has issued warnings about at-home ketamine use due to its potential for abuse and lack of medical supervision . Without proper monitoring, the risk of addiction and long-term complications, such as bladder damage and cognitive decline, may increase. Key Differences Between In-Clinic and At-Home Ketamine Therapy
