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 nurse practitioner can discuss options with you. If any of…
Long term risks of migraine preventives
Are there risks associated with migraine preventives on the long term? It is very common for people to stop taking migraine preventives. 80% of people with Chronic Migraine have stopped the preventive medications they were trying within the first year. Lack of effectiveness and side…
I have been told there is «nothing else to do»…now what?
Are there people with migraine who 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. Sometimes people with a refractory…
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 quite like medications. A few comments can be made on supplements. Table: Overview of nutraceuticals used…
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 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 absolute rule….
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 a decrease symptoms Try different options with your care provider Record results in your diary Treat early, it will increase your success rate For severe attacks, discuss combinations with your…
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 around 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…
The Treating Early Principle
My doctor prescribed me medications to treat my migraine attacks…but they don’t work! Sounds familiar? You may be treating your attacks too late. I have been told to wait until my pain is severe to take my meds. Isn’t that the right thing to do? No, it’s…
Opioids and migraine: AVOID!
What are opioids? Opioids are painkillers. They act on natural morphine receptors in the brain. Opium, extracted from the poppy plant, is a natural opioid. There are many different synthetic opioids. Name Brand Equivalent of morphine dose Morphine Statex 1 Codeine Empracet (with acetaminophen) 0.15 Oxycodone…
Medication Overuse Headache: tips to organize a successful withdrawal
Addressing medication overuse is one of the most important decisions on your headache journey. Managing medication-overuse headache is not easy, but if there is a suspicion that overuse plays a role in the chronic headache problem, it must be done. Here are a few facts…
Medication-overuse headache: what is it and why is it happening?
If you have frequent migraine attacks, you will want to treat them frequently with acute meds. That makes sense. The problem is that this regular use of acute medication will provide short-term relief but can make your brain even more prone to headaches in the…
