Injections and blocks for headaches: practical details
There are different types of injections that can be made to improve neck-influenced headache (cervicogenic headache). The link between neck pain and headaches can be complex. See this post The injections can be made with local anesthetics (similar to the freezing product used by dentists),…
Hydration and Migraine
Dehydration is a common trigger for migraines, but how does it happen, and what can we do to prevent it? Dehydration occurs when the body loses more liquid than it takes in. We have to consider what gets in, what gets out and the body…
Migraine Triggers
Understanding migraine triggers is a helpful tool for managing migraine. While triggers can be different for everyone and there is no single trigger that all migraine sufferers experience, there are some triggers that are common, especially when it comes to diet. How many people report…
Checklist : Healthy nutrition for migraine
Here is an easy checklist of healthy changes you can make to your diet that could help your migraine. Do this before you engage in any more complicated diet. Drink more water, herbal tea Drink less juice, caffeine, alcohol Stop drinking sodas Do not skip…
The ketogenic diet for migraine
What is the history of the ketogenic diet? Is it true it works for epilepsy? The ketogenic diet was designed in the 1920s to help control seizures in epileptic children. The traditional treatment for epilepsy was fasting (going for an extended period of time without…
Relaxation, exercise, biofeedback for migraine… it’s all great but why is it so difficult to stick to it?
More skills, less pills. For many people with migraine, avoiding medications is a priority. Good news! There are many behavioral options available to control migraines – either on their own or in addition to medications. Let’s Explore the Options: Diet: Diets attract many people, but…
Vestibular physiotherapy : what is it, and what to expect
What is vestibular physiotherapy? Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based therapy targeting vestibular symptoms that do not go back to normal between episodes of vestibular migraine. For example, if vertigo or imbalance is still an issue after a crisis, exercises could improve steadiness and get rid…
Weather and migraine: is it really a trigger and why?
Weather is increasingly reported as a trigger for migraine. 50% of people with migraine mention weather as a trigger. But what is the weather about? Heat? Cold? Barometric pressure? Pollution surges? The world of migraine triggers is a jungle. The list is endless. Triggers vary…
CGRP monoclonal antibodies : summary and effectiveness
Dr Elizabeth Leroux, MD, FRCPC November 2022 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 provided in person after a full evaluation and examination. Discuss ALL medical…
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 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…
