The Migraine Family: categories and groups
Let’s face it: there are many types of migraine. This is complicated even for physicians, especially family docs who do not receive a lot of training on migraine during their residency. It is important to understand those terms as specific characteristics might influence your investigations…
CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies: access, and coverage
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general overview of a complex topic. It can be hard to know which medicines you would have to pay for yourself. There might also be changes in Patient Support Programs (PSP) and this information may become outdated. For…
CGRP monoclonal antibodies (MABs): risks and side effects
Disclaimer: this information is based on published data but may not be applicable to your specific medical situation. This information does not replace a medical opinion performed in person after a full evaluation and examination. Discuss ALL medical decisions with your health care provider. As…
Cannabis for migraine: science, effectiveness and risks
How can the cannabis plant influence our brains? Our brains have a cannabinoid system. This system is present also in animals. It plays an important role in the regulation of other brain systems. It regulates emotions, hunger, movement, cognition and pain. The cannabinoid system has…
Sleep : how to improve it without medications
Many people with migraine have difficulty with sleep. The first step to a better sleep is to make a few routine changes and maintain them over a few weeks at least. Have a look at our list below, pick the changes that seems to fit…
What is the impact of posture on migraine?
Can posture affect migraine? Yes, especially when the posture deviates from the ideal static posture. Most people define posture as how straight you stand or sit. But that’s just part of the definition. Let’s dig a bit deeper. Static posture: It is the posture of…
Find physiotherapy exercises with migraine
A variety of headaches including cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches and migraine are linked to joint or muscle dysfunctions. If your migraines are influenced by neck and shoulder movements, consider seeing a physiotherapist. The exercises should be adapted to you. There are two major aspects of…
Can physiotherapy improve migraine?
The effectiveness of physiotherapy on migraines has been studied. Carrying out studies on physiotherapy is not easy because there are a variety of approaches, succeeding depends on the patient’s co-operation and there is no placebo. (See this post). Studies that have been carried to date…
Navigating the World of Supplements for Migraine
While many supplements have some evidence for benefit in treating migraine (such as magnesium and vitamin B2), knowing exactly which supplements to select and how to use them safely can be overwhelming given the hundreds of formulations available. The following are a few key tips…
Will I take preventives all my life?
When should I consider a preventive treatment for migraine? First and foremost, YOU are the one who should make this decision, based on your personal situation. There is no official absolute rule. Your physician or health care provider can discuss options with you. Clues that…
Long term risks of migraine preventives
Are there risks associated with migraine preventives on the long term? It is not rare to stop migraine preventives after a trial. 80% of people with Chronic Migraine have stopped the preventive medications they were trying at 1 year. Lack of effectiveness and side effects…
I have been told there is «nothing else to do»…now what?
Are there people with migraine who just don’t get better despite appropriate treatment? Every disease has severe forms. In every disease, there are people who do not respond to treatments. People with cancer still die if the treatments do not work. People with refractory migraine…
Natural supplements for migraine
Different nutraceuticals and supplements have been studied for migraine prevention. These products are often perceived as safer and «more natural». Overall, supplements are active substances and should be managed exactly like medications. A few comments can be made on supplements. There are multiple brands of…
List of migraine preventives: classes and mechanism of action
«What’s the best preventive for migraine»? Sadly, there is no answer to this question. Many different approaches exist, and it is not possible to predict which one will work for one person in particular. For each option, there are people who do not improve (non-responders),…
How to try a preventive – Top Questions and Answers
Preventive medications are taken daily for several months in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Should you try one? Here are some common questions and answers about migraine preventives! How do I know if I need a preventive medication? There is no…
Going to the Emergency Department
Going to the emergency department is usually a challenging experience. This may be the worst place on earth for a person with migraine (apart from a death metal concert). Strong lights, noises, smells. Uncomfortable chairs. Long wait times. A migraine attack might not be a…
Options to treat the migraine attack the Ultimate Table and Key Tips
Key Concepts for acute treatment: The goal is to return to function or at least decrease symptoms Try different options with your healthcare provider Record results in your diary Treat early, it will increase your success rate Combine NSAID + triptan if severe attacks If…
The fascinating history of triptans
Did you know that triptans are the grand-children of a fungus? That’s right. The story of the triptans starts with a fungus that grows on the rye plant. This fungus, Claviceps purpurea, attaches to the rye and forms a shape that resembles the foot of a hen,…
Top Ten Facts of treating the migraine attack
The migraine attack is a chemical and electrical storm in the brain Many zones of the brain are active during an attack. We now have scientific evidence that migraine pain comes from pain nerves of the meninges. The aura is caused by a wave of electricity on…
The Combination Principle
Your migraine attacks just won’t break with one medication? Try two! Some migraine attacks are difficult to treat. The migraine attack is a chemical and electrical storm in the brain that leads to pain and a wide variety of accompanying symptoms (See this post). The key options…
