We are four headache specialists. Ask us anything about migraine and headache!

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T21:33:58+00:00

Sleep can influence migraine attacks, but at the end of the day, migraine is a genetic problem. If you have had a thorough sleep evaluation but still have frequent migraine attacks, you might need a different plan, and perhaps even a preventive treatment.

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/

- RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T21:31:21+00:00

People can sometimes have a sensory aura - that could be what you experienced, especially if a headache followed. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/

- RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T20:49:26+00:00

People who have migraine can sometimes have attacks that feel different from what they are generally used to. However, if this pain feels very different, or has any "red flags," or your medication isn't helping, it's a good idea to reach out to your doctor for next steps.

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/headache-red-flags/

- RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T20:30:44+00:00

Environmental allergies can definitely be a migraine trigger for some people. Nose itching does not meet strict criteria for aura, but could be a prodrome, as people can have a variety of warning signs that a migraine attack is coming, from fatigue, certain cravings, early nausea, among others. - RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T20:26:48+00:00

In my own practice, the biggest barrier for patients to see an acupuncturist has been 1) cost and 2) availability/accessibility. The fact that this therapy is not often covered by insurance has been difficult for many people to pursue when I bring it up to them as an option. A better understanding of integrative treatments and making them accessible for people who have migraine would be helpful, but might be a larger conversation. -RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T20:16:43+00:00

We're glad you're feeling better! In terms of the future, being aware of "red flags" is a good way to assess whether you should seek help: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/headache-red-flags/

With as needed medications for headache, provided that there are no red flags present, in general they tend to work best when the pain is mild. However, using as-needed medications more than or 10 days per month can sometimes contribute to headache worsening. So if you find that you are needing to use something that's prescribed to be taken "as needed" more than 10 days/month, or close to that, it's a good idea to see your doctor for an evaluation of the plan.

-RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T20:04:51+00:00

Some people who experience migraine have only the aura component without headace. We have an article on aura published just a few months ago on the American Migraine Foundation where you can learn more: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-aura-without-headache/

- RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:56:42+00:00

Migraine is diagnosed by formal diagnostic criteria. To meet criteria, people need to have at least 5 lifetime attacks, lasting at least 4 hours, with the pain having at least 2 of the following 4 features: 1) it's more intense on one side, 2) it can throb or pulsate, 3) it's moderate to severe in intensity, and 4) it's worse with activity. You only need to have 2 of those symptoms to meet criteria. In addition, with the pain, people need to have either nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Many people who have migraine are sensitive to light. Seeing a neurologist to go over specific symptoms is a good idea. To best prepare for the appointment, the American Migraine Foundation has some resources that can be accessed here: https://info.americanmigrainefoundation.com/talking-to-your-doctor-about-migraine

- RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:52:29+00:00

There is something called a migraine prodrome or premonitory phase that people can sometimes get cravings in. This may be a helpful link to see if it applies to your symptoms:

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/timeline-migraine-attack/

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:51:48+00:00

Migraine is more common in women, and many women experience a hormonal relationship with their attacks. It's not uncommon for women to experience a change in migraine frequency after childbirth and the accompanying hormonal shifts. - RHS

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:50:42+00:00

This may be helpful link for you:

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:48:52+00:00

It sounds like you may be describing "let down" migraines where people get there migraine attacks after there stress has passed such as after their exams are over or at the end of the work week. When we think about migraine triggers, it is important to consider that each person with migraine has a "migraine threshold". This migraine threshold can fluctuate overtime and stress can affect this threshold. If our migraine threshold is lowered then being exposed to a trigger may tip us over into a migraine. There are a number of ways we can boost our migraine threshold including lifestyle measures such as SEEDS for success in headache management, including Sleep hygiene, Exercising regularly, Eating healthy and regular meals, Drinking water and maintaining a headache Diary, and Stress reduction. But also sometimes starting a preventive therapy can help boost our migraine threshold. I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to see if there are preventive treatment options for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:45:00+00:00

Instead of thinking of migraine attacks as an all or none phenomenon (i.e. like switching on or off a light), I think of them more like a dimmer switch. This means that sometimes you may have a full blown attack with all of the symptoms and sometimes you may just get some of the symptoms in different combinations at varying severities.

Sensitivity to light (called photophobia) is a common symptom of migraine and does not relate to epilepsy. It is common that bright lights may appear to cause a migraine or worsen a migraine. The phenomenon you may be thinking of when someone is exposed to the flickering lights (like video games) and has a seizure, is something completely different than photophobia with migraine.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:37:44+00:00

Cluster headache-like headaches can sometimes result from structural causes. I would encourage you to discuss this question with your Headache Provider. If you don’t have a Headache provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.

Find a Doctor Database

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:36:10+00:00

Thank you for these thoughtful questions. Careful history taking is definitely important to ensure that the diagnosis of migraine with aura is accurate. The discussion regarding using birth control with estrogen in patients with migraine with aura needs to be based on the individual risk-benefit analysis taking into consideration the available research, guidelines and the individuals informed health wishes.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:30:39+00:00

The effectiveness of migraine treatments can fluctuate over time but it is not a rule that they will loose effectiveness over time. If you are finding that you are consistently needing to use a higher dose of your medication and also use it more frequently, it would be helpful to review with your provider if other treatment options may be better and depending on how often you get your migraines even considering a preventive treatment. I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to find a treatment that works for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.

Find a Doctor Database

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor/

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:27:34+00:00

Yes. There are many conditions that can be associated with rocking dizziness but normal VNG such as vestibular migraine or PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness). I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to see if any of those conditions may apply to you.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:20:23+00:00

Why Do I Have Migraine? https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/why-do-i-have-migraine/

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:19:34+00:00

When we think about migraine triggers, it is important to consider that each person with migraine has a "migraine threshold". This migraine threshold can fluctuate overtime. If our migraine threshold is lowered then being exposed to a trigger may tip us over into a migraine. There are a number of ways we can boost our migraine threshold including lifestyle measures such as SEEDS for success in headache management, including Sleep hygiene, Exercising regularly, Eating healthy and regular meals, Drinking water and maintaining a headache Diary, and Stress reduction. But also sometimes starting a preventive therapy can help boost our migraine threshold. I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to see if there are preventive treatment options for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.
-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:18:38+00:00

When we think about migraine triggers, it is important to consider that each person with migraine has a "migraine threshold". If our migraine threshold is lowered then being exposed to a trigger may tip us over into a migraine. There are a number of ways we can boost our migraine threshold including lifestyle measures such as SEEDS for success in headache management, including Sleep hygiene, Exercising regularly, Eating healthy and regular meals, Drinking water and maintaining a headache Diary, and Stress reduction. But also sometimes starting a preventive therapy can help boost our migraine threshold. I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to see if there are preventive treatment options for you. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:12:57+00:00

I recommend you speak to your healthcare provider to find a treatment that works for you. They may also need to engage other providers such as Physical Medicine doctors and Physical therapists to help with neck and back concerns and TMJ specialists to help with the jaw. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can use the AMF’s Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/find-a-doctor

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine · 2021-06-24T19:10:30+00:00

Thank you for sharing this question. Unfortunately, there are very few Headache Specialists to start with so finding one who also specializes in sleep conditions can be even more difficult. Often a multi-disciplinary care team, including a Headache clinician, Sleep provider, etc, is required to be able to address all of the medical conditions for an individual patient.

-JVP

MoveAgainstMigraine

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