Migraine Headache Treatment in Albuquerque

The timeline varies depending on the type of treatment. Acute medications (triptans, CGRP antagonists) work within 1-2 hours to stop an active migraine. Preventive medications require more patience, and most need 6-12 weeks of consistent use to demonstrate full effectiveness. Lifestyle modifications show gradual improvement over weeks to months. During your first month of treatment, you may notice that attacks are less severe or shorter in duration before you see a reduction in frequency. We set realistic expectations during your initial visit and provide ongoing encouragement as your treatment takes effect.

Not always. For patients with infrequent, mild migraines, lifestyle modifications and trigger avoidance may be sufficient. However, most migraine sufferers benefit from at least having acute medications available to use when attacks occur, preventing hours or days of disability. Preventive medication is typically recommended if you experience 4 or more migraine days per month, if acute medications aren't effective, if attacks are severely disabling, or if you can't tolerate acute medications. We take a personalized approach, considering your migraine frequency, severity, impact on your life, and treatment preferences when recommending medications.

No. Body1MD operates on a direct primary care (DPC) membership model, which means patients pay the practice directly rather than the practice billing insurance. Membership is $100 per month for members under 50 and $150 per month for members 50 and older, month to month with no annual contract, and gives you direct access to Dr. Hemmen for migraine evaluation, management, and follow-up. Many DPC members keep insurance or a high-deductible plan for hospital care, specialists, and imaging, which can matter for migraine if you need a neurologist or brain imaging. Many patients find this model convenient for chronic conditions that need regular monitoring. Dr. Hemmen's office can explain how outside labs, imaging, and prescriptions are handled before you join.

Finding the right migraine treatment often requires patience and adjustment. If your current regimen isn't providing adequate relief, we have many options to explore. We can adjust medication dosages, switch to different drug classes, add complementary therapies, investigate unidentified triggers, or refer you to a headache specialist or neurologist for additional evaluation and advanced treatments such as nerve blocks or Botox injections. Many people who have struggled with inadequate migraine control for years find significant relief once the right combination of treatments is identified. Don't give up: effective migraine management is achievable for most people.

Yes. Members have direct access to Dr. Hemmen by phone and text, which works well for follow-up questions, reviewing how a medication is working, discussing triggers, and addressing side effects or treatment concerns. Many migraine patients value this because traveling during or shortly after a migraine can be difficult. Your first appointment should be in person so Dr. Hemmen can perform a thorough physical and neurological examination, and he will advise when a phone check-in is enough and when you should come back in. Urgent situations, such as a sudden severe headache or a headache with fever, weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking, need immediate in-person or emergency evaluation; call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Migraines are distinct from tension-type headaches or other primary headache disorders. Migraines typically involve moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, lasting 4-72 hours if untreated. They're accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual or sensory auras. Migraines worsen with physical activity, while tension headaches usually don't. Tension headaches cause mild to moderate bilateral pressure or tightness without the associated symptoms of migraines. Proper diagnosis is important because treatment approaches differ significantly between headache types. During your evaluation, we'll carefully distinguish your headache type to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.