Currently accepting new patients
Address

‍
2007 Medical Pkwy, Suite B
San Marcos, TX 78666
Get Directions

Office hours

Mon - Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Weekends:
Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by recurring episodes of moderate to severe head pain, often affecting one or both sides of the head. They are more than just bad headaches. Migraines involve complex changes in brain activity, blood flow, and nerve signaling that can produce a variety of symptoms well beyond pain alone, and the condition affects people across all age groups and backgrounds.

Researchers believe migraines may be related to impulses in the trigeminal nerve, which sends pain signals throughout the head and face while releasing neuropeptides. During a migraine episode, arteries that carry blood to the head may also dilate, which can intensify the pain. The precise source of migraines remains unknown, though neurochemical fluctuations and trigeminal nerve function are thought to play a central role in how these conditions develop.

Migraines are generally classified as episodic, meaning they occur on a limited number of days per month, or chronic, meaning they occur on 15 or more days per month. Although there is no cure for migraines, several effective treatment options are available. Patients who work with an experienced headache and migraine specialist can often manage their condition more effectively and reduce how frequently episodes occur.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

How Migraines Affect the Body

Migraine episodes can be physically and emotionally draining and can affect a person's quality of life in significant ways. The pain itself is often severe and may be accompanied by a range of additional symptoms that make it difficult to function at work, school, or home. Without adequate care, a migraine can sideline a person for several hours or even several days at a time.

Common symptoms of migraines include:

  • Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and odors
  • Neck pain, stiffness, or tension in the neck and shoulder area
  • Fatigue before, during, or after an episode
  • Aura symptoms, which may include seeing flashes of light, blurs, or zigzag lines, as well as numbness or tingling in the limbs, sudden weakness, or slurred speech

Not every person experiences all of these symptoms, and migraines can present differently from individual to individual. Some people experience a warning phase before head pain begins, while others notice fatigue or mood changes in the hours or days leading up to an episode. Recognizing these signs can be an important part of managing headache and migraine conditions over the long term, and tracking patterns carefully can help you and your doctor find the right approach to care.

How Migraines Affect the Body

Migraine episodes can be physically and emotionally draining and can affect a person's quality of life in significant ways. The pain itself is often severe and may be accompanied by a range of additional symptoms that make it difficult to function at work, school, or home. Without adequate care, a migraine can sideline a person for several hours or even several days at a time.

Common symptoms of migraines include:

  • Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and odors
  • Neck pain, stiffness, or tension in the neck and shoulder area
  • Fatigue before, during, or after an episode
  • Aura symptoms, which may include seeing flashes of light, blurs, or zigzag lines, as well as numbness or tingling in the limbs, sudden weakness, or slurred speech

Not every person experiences all of these symptoms, and migraines can present differently from individual to individual. Some people experience a warning phase before head pain begins, while others notice fatigue or mood changes in the hours or days leading up to an episode. Recognizing these signs can be an important part of managing headache and migraine conditions over the long term, and tracking patterns carefully can help you and your doctor find the right approach to care.

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

Migraine Treatment Options at Our San Marcos Clinic

At Greater Austin Pain Center's San Marcos, TX clinic, located at 2007 Medical Pkwy., Suite B, our team specializes in taking a thorough, individualized approach to headache and migraine care. Because migraines vary widely from person to person, treatment plans are built around each individual's specific symptoms, triggers, and medical history rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol. Our staff has years of experience helping patients find a path forward when other approaches have not delivered the results they wanted.

Treatment options for migraines that our headache and migraine specialists may recommend include:

  • Occipital nerve blocks, which target nerves at the base of the skull that are frequently involved in head pain
  • Trigger Point Injections, which may help relieve tension and pain in muscles of the head, neck, and shoulder that contribute to migraine episodes
  • Ketamine Infusion Therapy, which may be considered for patients with chronic, refractory migraines that have not responded adequately to other approaches, typically administered over a series of sessions
  • Nerve Blocks, which can be used to interrupt pain signals and may provide relief during or between episodes

In addition to these interventional injections and procedures, a doctor at GAPC may discuss medications to help relieve symptoms during an episode or reduce how often migraines occur. Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is one option that has been studied for chronic migraine prevention and may be worth asking about during your visit if you experience frequent episodes. Both over the counter medications and prescription medications may play a role depending on the patient's needs. Your care team may also recommend lifestyle modifications and, where appropriate, can refer you to other providers for complementary care such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or behavioral health support. These referral-based options are not services GAPC provides directly, but coordinating care across disciplines is something our team is well positioned to support.

Research also suggests that approaches such as acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback may help some patients reduce migraine frequency, and your doctor can help you understand whether pursuing those options alongside your treatment plan at GAPC makes sense for your situation.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Getting Migraine Care at Greater Austin Pain Center

1

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

The first step toward managing your migraines is scheduling an appointment with a headache and migraine specialist at our San Marcos, TX clinic. You can reach us by calling our office at (512) 298-1645, by email, or by booking online at your convenience. We are currently accepting new patients and are ready to help individuals suffering from episodic or chronic migraines in San Marcos and the surrounding area of Central Texas.

2

Step 2: Evaluation and Diagnosis

Diagnosing headache and migraine conditions involves a careful review of your medical history, a detailed discussion of your symptoms, and, when appropriate, tests and imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also ask you to keep a record of your headaches, including when they occur, how long they last, and what may have triggered them. This review helps build a clearer picture of your condition and supports accurate diagnosis. In some cases, your care team may also consider whether a referral to a neurologist is the right next step for your situation.

3

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once your doctor has a thorough understanding of your migraines, they will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include interventional treatments such as nerve blocks, injections, or ketamine sessions, medications to manage or prevent episodes, and guidance on lifestyle changes that may help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines over the coming weeks and months. The goal is to set a clear direction and start making progress toward better quality of life.

4

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Migraine management is rarely a one-time intervention. Your care team will schedule follow-up visits to assess how you are responding to treatment, make adjustments as needed, and help you continue to track and manage your triggers over time. Patients who maintain regular contact with their headache and migraine specialist tend to be better positioned to improve their condition and manage it effectively in the long term.

Testimonials

5 gold stars

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.
5 gold stars

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.
5 gold stars

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cure for migraines?

arrow icon

There is currently no cure for migraines. However, several effective treatment options are available that may help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. A headache and migraine specialist can work with you to develop a management plan that addresses your specific triggers and symptoms, and many patients find that the right combination of care makes a meaningful difference in their quality of life.

What symptoms distinguish a migraine from a regular headache?

arrow icon

Migraines typically involve moderate to severe head pain that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, sound, and odors. Some individuals also experience aura symptoms such as visual disturbances, tingling in the limbs, or temporary weakness, though aura is actually rare and does not occur in all migraine types. Neck pain and stiffness are also commonly reported. These features, along with the recurring nature of migraines, generally help distinguish them from ordinary tension headaches.

What treatments does GAPC offer for migraines in San Marcos, TX?

arrow icon

Greater Austin Pain Center's San Marcos clinic specializes in several treatment options for headache and migraine conditions, including occipital nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and Ketamine Infusion Therapy for qualifying patients. Botox may also be discussed for patients with chronic migraines during a visit with one of our specialists. A doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to recommend the approach most appropriate for your situation, and medications may also be discussed as part of your care plan.

How do doctors diagnose migraines?

arrow icon

Diagnosing migraines typically begins with a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed discussion of your symptoms, including how often headaches occur, how long they last in hours or days, and what tends to make them worse. Your doctor may order tests and imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other conditions that could be causing your head pain. Keeping a headache diary before or during the evaluation process can also help the care team track patterns and identify triggers. In some cases, a referral to a neurologist may be recommended as well.

What lifestyle changes may help reduce migraine frequency?

arrow icon

Some individuals find that consistent lifestyle habits can help reduce how often migraines occur. These may include avoiding known triggers such as certain foods, alcohol, or bright lights; maintaining regular sleep patterns; managing stress; and engaging in regular aerobic exercise. Your doctor can provide guidance on which factors appear most relevant to your own migraine pattern and discuss how lifestyle changes might complement your treatment plan at GAPC. Patients who work closely with their care team and continue tracking their experience over time often find it easier to improve their results.

When should I see a headache and migraine specialist?

arrow icon

If your headaches are recurring, severe, or interfering with your daily life, work, or time with friends and family, it is worth speaking with a headache and migraine specialist. This is especially true if over the counter medications are no longer providing adequate relief, if your episodes are becoming more frequent across months or years, or if you are experiencing new or unusual symptoms alongside head pain. A specialist can help determine what types of conditions may be involved and discuss appropriate treatment options for your situation.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

Loading security check...

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Manage Your Migraines with Greater Austin Pain Center in San Marcos

If chronic or recurring migraines are affecting your quality of life, the staff at Greater Austin Pain Center specializes in helping patients across Central Texas find meaningful relief. With offices in Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, and Dripping Springs, our headache and migraine specialists are ready to help you take the next step. Call us today at (512) 298-1645 or schedule an appointment online to start your path toward better migraine management.

Schedule an Appointment

Relieve Your Pain Today!
Disclaimer: Using this form does not establish a patient-physician relationship. This form is not to be used for emergencies or urgent requests. Please call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency.
By submitting this form you agree to the collection of your personal data pursuant to our privacy policy.

Loading security check...

Green padlock icon
All Information Is Secure and Confidential
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
A modern medical office waiting room with gray chairs, small tables with plants and brochures, wood-style flooring, and a reception desk. The wall displays the sign "Greater Austin Pain Center."

Greater Austin Pain Center Is Hiring! Apply Online Today