Constant headaches and migraines

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi I was wondering if you could help me. I have been suffering with headaches and Migranes since i can remember, but in the last year or two they have become alot more frequent. i have a headache on one side of my head atleast once a week, and a proper migraine (occasionally with sickness) every couple of weeks sometimes maybe a month. I also feel quite tired, and my face feels slightly heavy and almost saggy and lifeless. please help!!

Dear Millie: Migraines can be one-sided or involve both sides, usually has triggers and worsened by physical activity; phonophobia (sensitive to sound) and photophobia (sensitive to light) are also common. Nausea (feels like vomiting) can be your body’s response to the pain. Some migraine attacks last for 3 days. For mild attacks of migraine, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and/or Naproxen may be helpful. If these won’t help, you may need prescription pain relievers for migraine (Tylenol #3, Ergot derivatives).

I strongly recommend that you to get a thoroughly evaluation by an internal medicine doctor or neurologist to rule out any underlying pathology. For preventing migraine attacks, prescription drugs are also helpful: amitriptylline, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc. I hope this  helps. Take care always.