TEXAN ENT - October 2020

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The Migraine Conundrum

With No Known Cause or Treatment, Is There Relief FromMigraines?

Though the causes of each may be very different, allergy sufferers (see cover article) and migraine sufferers can sympathize about how debilitating their symptoms can be and how anxious they are to find the cause of them. Many professionals also approach treating migraines in a similar manner to treating allergies: through a process of elimination. A migraine often starts slowly, usually with a stomachache or a groggy mind in the morning, and just hours later, a patient is laid up in bed with the lights out, unable to move for fear of shooting pain and nausea. Symptoms can also include dizziness and light sensitivity. Perhaps the most frustrating part of a migraine, though, is that there is no known cause. Experts theorize that chemical

and nerve changes in the brain can influence a migraine, and migraines have also been linked to genetics, menstrual cycles, prescription drugs, diet, and external environmental factors. Migraines are thought to be brought on by triggers. Maybe the patient ate too much sugar and is suffering the consequences, or maybe the position of the patient’s pillow is pinching nerves in their neck. Whatever it is, we often suggest patients keep a diary or journal outlining early symptoms they notice and activities they did before a migraine attack. As we begin to understand what is happening in the events leading up to the pain, we can start to better understand how to more effectively treat it — or how to prevent migraines from even happening!

HAVE A LAUGH this means drinking more water or using a better pillow. Regardless of what treatment looks like, migraine sufferers aren’t alone. Give our team a call today to get started on living a migraine-free life. (Yes, it IS possible!) The best form of treatment is to eliminate the cause. For some, this could mean relieving the pressure in their sinus cavity, while for others, There are also over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can limit the symptoms of a migraine, but patients should always be careful when taking medication. Overuse of medication to treat migraines can cause a “rebound headache” and only masks the pain of the migraine. Talk to an ENT specialist about the proper usage and type of medication to take before using any.

CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP

Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.

Ingredients

• • • •

1 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots, diced

• • • • • •

1 cup canned light coconut milk

2 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg

3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) 2 cups vegetable broth

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!

INSPIRED BY MINIMALISTBAKER.COM

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