Migraines & Headaches
Helping you find relief and regain control of your life
Dr. Barsoom has been treating patients with migraines and chronic headaches for over 13 years. His goal is to reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches and improve your ability to function day-to-day. The first step is a
comprehensive assessment to determine the type of headache you are experiencing and design an effective treatment plan.
Appointments can be made by referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
Our Headache Assessment Process
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Pre-visit questionnaires – to better understand your headache symptoms and triggers.
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Consultation – review of your medical history and a focused clinical examination.
– If your medical history is complex, the physical exam may be scheduled at a follow-up visit.
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Treatment plan – personalized approach to your headaches.
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Communication – a consultation letter will be sent to your referring physician.
The assessment fee is covered by OHIP.
What is a Migraine?
Most headaches fall into three main categories:
• Migraine
• Tension-type headache
• Cluster headache
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective care. Dr. Barsoom works to identify the specific type of headache you are experiencing so treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Migraines are one of the most common headache disorders, affecting millions worldwide. They can be
episodic (less than 15 days per month) or
chronic (more than 15 days per month).
Unlike other headaches, migraines often have
four stages:
•
Prodrome – early warning signs such as mood changes, food cravings, or fatigue.
•
Aura – vision changes, tingling, or speech disturbances (not everyone experiences this).
•
Headache phase – moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, with nausea, vomiting, or light/sound sensitivity.
•
Postdrome – feeling drained, confused, or achy once the headache resolves.
Migraine Triggers
Migraines can be triggered by:
• Stress and fatigue
• Lack of sleep
• Skipped meals or dehydration
• Certain foods or alcohol
• Hormonal changes (such as before menstruation)
• Bright lights, strong smells, or loud noises
Keeping a
headache diary can help identify your personal triggers.
Treatment Options
Treatment is personalized and depends on frequency and severity. It may include:
•
Acute (rescue) treatment – medications to stop a migraine once it begins.
•
Preventive treatment – daily or regular therapy to reduce frequency and intensity.
•
Lifestyle approaches – optimizing sleep, nutrition, stress management, and exercise.
•
Advanced therapies – including nerve blocks, Botox for chronic migraine [Hyperlink to the Botox tab under services], or neuromodulation devices.
For more detailed information, visit the
Mayo Clinic’s Migraine Resource.
Schedule a Consultation