Migraine Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

What is migraine?

Migraine is a common neurological condition, not "just a headache". Attacks typically cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or smells. About a third of people experience aura, such as zig-zag lights or tingling, before the pain. Migraine is more common in women and often runs in families. Triggers vary and can include poor sleep, skipped meals, stress, hormonal changes, alcohol and weather changes.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Recurrent headaches that limit work or study
Needing painkillers on many days each month
Headaches changing in pattern or frequency

Call 119 or go to an emergency department for a sudden "worst-ever" thunderclap headache, headache with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, fever and stiff neck, or after a head injury. New headaches after age 50 also warrant prompt assessment.

What happens at the clinic

History: frequency, duration, features, triggers and medicine use; a headache diary helps.
Neurological exam: to look for signs suggesting another cause.
Imaging if indicated: brain MRI or MRA for red flags or atypical features.
Acute plan: the right medicine taken early in an attack, with limits on monthly use.
Preventive plan: considered when attacks are frequent or disabling.

Treatment outlook

Migraine cannot be cured, but most people can significantly reduce attack frequency and severity. Triptans work well for many when taken early. Preventive options include certain blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines, as well as newer CGRP-targeting injections or tablets. Botulinum toxin injections are an established option for chronic migraine (headache on 15 or more days a month). Regular sleep, meals, hydration and exercise support any medical plan.

Risks and side effects

Using painkillers or triptans too often can cause medication-overuse headache, making headaches more frequent. Triptans are not suitable for some people with heart or circulation disease. Preventive medicines may cause tiredness, weight change or other effects, depending on the drug.

Choosing a clinic for migraine treatment in Seomyeon

Look for a neurologist or neurosurgeon with an interest in headache disorders.
Ask whether they diagnose by history and exam first, using MRI only when indicated.
Bring a headache diary and list of medicines, and ask about overuse risk.
Ask which preventive options suit you, including newer treatments and their coverage.
Ask for a written plan for what to do during an attack.

For travellers

Travel, jet lag and irregular meals can trigger attacks. Carry your usual medicines with a prescription note. Seomyeon is easy to reach by metro if you need a consultation during a stay.

Condition: migraine with or without aura (편두통)
Typical attack: one-sided throbbing headache, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, 4–72 hours
Diagnosis: history and neurological exam; imaging only if red flags
Acute treatment: anti-inflammatories, triptans, anti-nausea medicine
Prevention: daily tablets, CGRP-targeting medicines, Botox for chronic migraine
Self-care: headache diary, sleep regularity, trigger awareness
Watch out: medication-overuse headache from frequent painkillers

How do I know if my headache is a migraine?

Migraine typically causes moderate to severe throbbing pain, often one-sided, worsened by activity, with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis from your history.

Do I need a brain MRI for migraine?

Usually not. Typical migraine with a normal exam rarely needs imaging. MRI is recommended for red flags, atypical features or a significant change in headache pattern.

What is medication-overuse headache?

It is a worsening headache pattern caused by taking painkillers or triptans too frequently, often more than about 10–15 days a month. Reducing use under medical guidance usually helps.

Is Botox used for migraine in Korea?

Yes, botulinum toxin injections are used for chronic migraine. Coverage and eligibility depend on criteria and previous treatments, so ask the clinic.

Is migraine treatment covered by insurance in Korea?

Consultations and many migraine medicines are covered by National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Some newer preventive medicines and procedures are covered only under specific criteria or are self-pay.

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