What are Chronic Migraines?
Chronic migraine is defined as having at least 15 headaches a month, with at least eight days having headaches with symptoms of a migraine, for more than three months. Common migraine symptoms can include:
- Moderate to severe head pain, which is made worse with physical activity or movement
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Throbbing pain or feelings of strong pressure
- Light, sound, and smell sensitivities
- Nausea
- Dizziness
How are Chronic Migraines Diagnosed and Treated?
Your healthcare provider will ask a series of questions relating to your symptoms and medical history to reach a diagnosis.
There are several causes of chronic migraines so treatment options will depend on several factors. Some common treatments include lifestyle changes, treatment of specific migraine symptoms, and preventative treatment drugs and medications, as well as infusion therapy.
How Does IV Infusion Therapy for Chronic Migraines Work?
IV infusion for chronic migraines involves administering medication through an infusion pump that drips the medication into a catheter to a syringe and through a hollow needle into the patient’s bloodstream. The recommended dosage is 100mg administered every three months.
Many chronic migraine patients choose to get their IV infusion treatment through a freestanding treatment center, such as IVX Health. Chronic migraine patients often choose IVX Health as their preferred site of care because of its unique, patient-centered amenities, including private suites, its industry-leading 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio, flexible appointment scheduling, and lower cost when compared to the hospital.
Chronic Migraine Therapies Administered at IVX Health
Chronic Migraine Management at IVX Health
Each IVX Health patient receives excellent care from Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).
The benefits of receiving infusion treatments for Chronic Migraines at IVX Health include:
- Private suites
- Comfortable, leather recliners
- Enough room and plenty of seating for guests
- A friendly clinical staff
- Personalized service
- High-speed internet
- Complimentary beverages and snacks
- Flat-screen television sets provide a way for patients to stream their favorite movies and watch the shows they love
- Flexible scheduling options (including evening and weekend appointments)
What to Expect During IV Infusion Treatment for Chronic Migraines
Step One
Using a thin, very small catheter, one of IVX Health’s nurses creates the patient an intravenous line (aka IV line) into the patient’s arm vein.
Step Two
After placing the IV line, the nurse connects it to tubing that leads up to the medication. The medication is then dispersed into the patient’s bloodstream over a specified period of time.
During treatment, patients are continuously monitored by one of IVX’s nurses. If a patient requires assistance, he or she just needs to press the call button.
There are times when a patient experiences a reaction to the medication he or she is receiving; therefore, patients need to recognize the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.
Signs of a potential allergic reaction include developing a headache, feeling nauseous, difficulty breathing and developing a rash. Patients experiencing these symptoms need to contact their nurse right away.
How to Get a Referral for Chronic Migraine IV Infusion Treatment
Every referral must be accompanied by an order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for IV therapy to treat Chronic Migraines include:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include:
- Clinicals to support an indication for the preventive treatment of migraines in adult patients
- Patient has a history of migraines and has been on two oral preventatives and has experienced four or more migraines within a month period
Due to the complexity of treatment, prior authorization is often required. Prior authorization is the process of getting approval for treatment from the patient’s healthcare provider before beginning treatment. It’s important to check in with your healthcare provider to see if a prior authorization will be needed for your infusion or injection treatment at IVX Health.
If you have chronic migraines, and you would like to learn more about the IV infusion therapy for chronic migraines available at IVX Health centers, contact us today.
