Chronic Migraines

What causes my chronic migraines?

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, your lifestyle, and how often you have migraines. These things will give them clues about what may be causing or triggering your migraines.

Are there any lifestyle changes that might help?

Things like weight loss, relaxation techniques, or mood disorder treatment can sometimes ease symptoms or help prevent migraines.

Will my migraines get better?

Many people find that they have fewer migraines as they get older. But your doctor will still recommend a treatment plan now.

What tests do I need?

Your doctor might look for signs of neurological problems and order imaging tests to check for other conditions.

Should I see a specialist?

It could be a good idea if you have frequent migraines, if they cause nausea or vomiting, or if the pain severely affects your daily life.

What are my medications for, and how should I take them?

You’ll probably get medication to treat occasional migraines when they happen and others to prevent them from happening. These may also include nontraditional migraine drugs like blood pressure medicines. Be sure you know when and how to take each one. Medication overuse can actually make things worse. Your doctor will talk with you about how to avoid it.

What should I do if a medication has unpleasant side effects?

There are many kinds of migraine medications. Your doctor can work with you to find the one that helps you the most, with as few side effects as possible.

Should I keep a migraine diary?

It’s important to find the things that could trigger your migraines so you can avoid them. Your doctor might recommend that you keep track of your sleep, stress levels, exercise, medications, and food and drink (especially caffeine), as well as how your migraine drugs are working.

Should I add nondrug treatments to my plan?

Some people find that supplements like riboflavin, magnesium, or coenzyme Q10; nerve stimulation devices; acupuncture; and mental health practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help prevent or treat their migraines.

When should I call you about my symptoms?

Your doctor might want you to contact them if you notice other problems like fever, neurological issues, or a change in headache patterns.

Do we need to change my treatment plan?

Talk with your doctor about how you’re doing at following their recommendations. It’s crucial to take migraine medications exactly as prescribed and to give them enough time to work.

Could I have another condition?

You can have more than one headache disorder at the same time. Work with your doctor to be sure you have a complete diagnosis.

What other treatments could I try?

There are a few options if standard treatments aren’t enough. Some people find relief with stronger therapies like nerve blocks, trigger point injections, or neuromodulation devices. If medication overuse is triggering migraines, you might need to detox your body.

Could I have refractory migraines?

Refractory migraines are those that are hard to treat or that don’t respond to standard treatments. They often have huge effects on quality of life. To manage refractory migraines, you’ll need more than one kind of treatment, often with a broader care team.

Should I join a clinical trial?

Researchers are constantly studying new tests and treatments that aren’t available to everyone yet. Ask your doctor about what might be involved, the risks and benefits, and how to join.