Core Skills
Home »
Together with our team of neurologists, migraine experts, and advocates, we have identified several core skills that every person with migraine should have as they navigate this disease.
The Core Skills are:
Migraine Basics
Lifestyle Adaptations
Treatments, Medications,
and Health Care
Core Skill #1: Migraine Basics
When it comes to managing migraine, knowledge is power! Visit the following pages on the Migraine Canada website to learn basic information about this disease.

Understanding the Placebo Effect
In this article, we explore the placebo and nocebo effects. Understanding these responses is crucial for improving treatment approaches and fostering effective communication between patients and...

Migraine Canada Language Guide
Addressing migraine stigma begins with thoughtful and inclusive communication. Migraine Canada, in partnership with Migraine Quebec, developed the Canadian Migraine Disease Language Guide to promote...

Debunking the myths on types of headache diagnosis
Welcome to an insightful exploration of migraine with Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, a neurologist and headache specialist known for her expertise and advocacy in migraine medicine. Join us as Dr. Leroux...

Find Support on Your Path to Improvement
Did you know that migraine ranks as the third most prevalent illness globally? This invisible yet excruciating condition impacts 25% of Canadian women and 8% of Canadian men. At Migraine Canada, our...

Migraine Symptoms
From the onset of visual disturbances to the throbbing pain and sensory overload, this film paints a poignant picture of the migraine experience. Almost 3 million Canadians live with migraine. Who...

Myths and Facts of Migraine Diagnosis – Webinar
Discover the truth behind migraine diagnosis with Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, a leading neurologist based in Montreal. In this insightful webinar, Dr. Larue navigates through common myths and facts...

Cluster Headache – All You Need to Know
Explore the complexities of cluster headaches with Migraine Canada's enlightening webinar, featuring Dr. William Kingston, a distinguished neurologist and headache specialist. This session unravels...

What Could be Improved for Migraine Care in Canada
Dive into expert advice, practical tips, and personal journeys that empower and support individuals impacted by migraine across Canada. Whether you're exploring relief strategies, treatment options,...
Core Skill #2: Lifestyle Adaptations
In addition to the below articles, we recommend visiting our section on Lifestyle Adaptations for information on this topic.

The Ping Pong Theory: Is Migraine a Cause or a Consequence?
Understanding whether migraine is a cause or a consequence of various factors is crucial for effective management. This article on the Ping Pong Theory delves into the complex interplay between the...

Migraine Triggers: Avoid or Cope?
Migraine attacks can be triggered by various factors. While it’s impossible to avoid all triggers, identifying your specific ones through a migraine diary can be helpful. Understanding the...

How to stay active and avoid triggering migraine attacks
Research shows that regular movement and exercise benefits everyone and can improve migraine symptoms. However, many people with migraine find it challenging to stay active. This resource offers...

Sleep and migraine: Improve your sleep without medication
Sleep and migraine often feed off each other—poor sleep can trigger a migraine, and a migraine attack can disrupt your rest. Enhancing your sleep quality is a crucial step toward managing your...

Does Brain health improve Migraine Health?
Welcome to Migraine Canada's "Ask Your Pharmacist" webinar series, where we explore critical topics beyond medications and conditions. In this episode, Dr. Crystal Culler, founder of the Virtual...

Communication & Advocacy Strategies when living with migraine
Discover essential insights on managing migraine through effective communication and support strategies in this insightful webinar from Migraine Canada. Whether you're a migraine patient navigating...

Sleep and Migraine – Webinar
Welcome to Migraine Canada’s "Ask Your Pharmacist" webinar series! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Rachel Luther, a dedicated and passionate pharmacist from Center Wellington Remedies RX,...

The Science of Migraine: “It’s All in Your Brain” – Part 1
Welcome to Migraine Canada, your source of support and information for navigating life with migraine. In this community, we explore insights, tips, and strategies to empower you in managing...
Core Skill #3: Treatments, Medications, and Health Care
In addition to the below articles, we recommend visiting our sections on Accessing Care and our Comprehensive List of Migraine Treatment Options for information on this topic.

Taking Care of the Person with Migraine for Healthcare Providers
Health care providers play a crucial role in managing migraine patients effectively. This guide, "Taking Care of the Person with Migraine," offers essential skills and strategies for clinicians to...

Should I Be Concerned If My Physician Didn’t Prescribe Imaging for Migraine?
Wondering if your physician should have prescribed imaging for your frequent migraine attacks? The answer might surprise you. Contrary to common belief, imaging such as CT scans or MRIs isn't always...

Tips and Tricks for Preventing Migraine
Join us as we explore the world of migraine management with Dr. Spacey, Clinical Associate Professor at UBC’s Division of Neurology and a renowned expert in headache disorders. With extensive experience in neurology and neurogenetics,

Migraine Management with Dr. Alex Melinyshyn
Welcome to an insightful discussion on acute and abortive treatments for migraine, presented by Dr. Alex Melanishin, a distinguished neurologist and headache specialist based in London, Ontario. In...

Find Support on Your Path to Improvement
Did you know that migraine ranks as the third most prevalent illness globally? This invisible yet excruciating condition impacts 25% of Canadian women and 8% of Canadian men. At Migraine Canada, our...

CGRP Antibodies for Migraine Prevention – Part 1
Welcome to our insightful webinar hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, Chair of Migraine Canada, where we delve into the transformative potential of CGRP antibodies for migraine prevention. Join us as we...

CGRP Antibodies for Migraine Prevention – Part 2
Welcome to Part Two of our exploration into CGRP antibodies for migraine treatment. Today, we delve into crucial questions: do these antibodies really work, what are their side effects, and are they...

Ancient Remedies for Managing Migraine
Welcome to our informative video featuring Dr. Alex Melinyshyn, an esteemed FRCPC Neurologist and member of the Canadian Headache Society (CHS), who specializes in headache medicine. In this video,...

What are the best supplements for migraine management?
Join Dr. Thilinie Rajapakse, Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta and a distinguished neurologist specializing in headache disorders, as she delves into the pivotal role of supplements...

How to Use a Headache Diary (PDF Download)
There’s no test to monitor migraine, but a headache diary makes them visible. Migraine Canada offers both an app and printable templates for tracking. This resource guides you on what to...

Detailed guide on how to use a headache diary
Tracking your migraine attacks through a diary is crucial for effective management. This guide will help you understand how to use a migraine diary to track attack frequency, symptoms, medication...

Patient Education Resource Kit: Migraine Management in one source!
Migraine Canada has created a comprehensive digital Patient Education Resource Kit designed to empower both healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. This all-in-one guide covers essential...