+ MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE
Migraine is much more than a headache. It affects 15% of the world’s population and is the second leading cause of neurological disability according to the WHO. At Neuro+ we offer access to the most advanced therapies available in Colombia.
15%
Of the population has migraine
5
2nd
+ What is migraine?
Migraine is characterized by recurrent episodes of throbbing pain, usually on one side, lasting 4 to 72 hours. It is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Some patients experience an aura: visual or sensory disturbances that come before the pain.
It originates in the activation of the trigeminovascular pathway and the release of molecules such as CGRP — not in simple “stress” or “gastritis.” Understanding it as a disease of the nervous system is the first step to treating it well.
When episodes occur 15 or more days a month for at least 3 months. Migraine often becomes chronic without proper treatment, and that is precisely where advanced preventive therapies make the difference.
+ Differential diagnosis
Fewer than 15 days a month. Easier to control, and with the right treatment it can be kept from becoming chronic.
15 or more headache days a month. Requires active preventive treatment: botulinum toxin or anti-CGRP antibodies.
Neurological symptoms beforehand: visual phenomena, tingling or difficulty speaking. They last 5 to 60 minutes.
Combines episodes of vertigo with migraine symptoms. A common and underdiagnosed cause of recurrent vertigo.
Linked to the menstrual cycle. Specific preventive strategies, including short-term perimenstrual hormonal therapy.
Bilateral, band-like pressure, of mild to moderate intensity. The most common type: it affects up to 70% of the population.
The most intense of the primary headaches. Strictly one-sided pain around the eye. Very effective specific treatment.
Using painkillers more than 10–15 days a month causes rebound headaches. Requires gradual withdrawal guided by the neurologist.
No response to two or more lines of treatment. At Neuro+ there is access to anti-CGRP, botulinum toxin and magnetic stimulation.
+ Triggers
Headache diary. The neurologist may recommend keeping a headache diary for a few weeks to identify your personal trigger patterns and objectively measure your response to treatment.
These signs require urgent medical evaluation
+ Diagnosis and treatment
The only preventive treatment approved specifically for chronic migraine (FDA, EMA). Indicated for patients with 15 or more headache days a month who don’t respond to oral preventive medications.
Local anesthetic injection into the scalp nerves: greater and lesser occipital and supraorbital. Indicated for migraine, chronic tension-type headache and occipital neuralgia.
The most important migraine innovation of the last decade. They block CGRP, a key molecule in its pathophysiology. Available in Colombia: erenumab, fremanezumab and galcanezumab.
Non-invasive technology for treatment-resistant migraine. Magnetic pulses without medication or surgery, indicated for refractory migraine and migraine with aura. One of the few available in Medellín.
Beta-blockers (propranolol), antiepileptics (topiramate, valproate), antidepressants (amitriptyline), candesartan and flunarizine. The choice is based on clinical profile and comorbidities.
+ Your first consultation
The neurologist takes a detailed headache history: pain characteristics, frequency, duration, accompanying symptoms, triggers, previous treatments, family history and comorbidities.
A complete neurological exam is performed and, if needed, imaging studies (brain MRI) are ordered to rule out secondary causes.
+ Frequently asked questions
+ Book today
Accurate diagnosis and access to botulinum toxin, anti-CGRP and magnetic stimulation.
In-person care in Medellín, or teleconsultation from any city.
