Medication Overuse Headache
What is medication overuse headache? A headache that is caused, in part, by the regular use of some types of medications. This headache is present on 15 or more days per month for 3 months or longer, in a person who uses medications on 10-15+…
Should I worry about this headache?
Headache is an extremely common symptom that can be caused by migraine, but also tumors, infections and other illnesses. There are more than 200 causes of headache in the International Classification Of Headache Disorders! (our Bible for headache diagnosis). The vast majority of headaches are…
Is it necessary to have a CT scan or an MRI to diagnose migraine?
My physician did not prescribe any imaging test even if I have frequent migraines since years. Should I be concerned? Imaging is not always necessary to clarify a headache situation. If: You do not present any red flags (See this post) You have a normal…
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…
Migraine with aura: an overview
STORYBOX: Shelly is now familiar with her aura. The normal one starts with a little flashing dot on the right side of her vision. The dot becomes bigger and transforms into squiggly lines. Gradually, this flashing becomes gray then dark. After 40 minutes, she gains…
Hemiplegic migraine : I am paralyzed with my migraine!
Here is a story: Joan was used to her visual auras. She had them since she was a child, seeing squiggly lines. Now at 27 years old, she was using triptans, had learned about her triggers, and was functioning well. But last week, her aura…
Refractory Chronic Migraine: support encouragement
People who seek the help of experienced headache specialists are usually not at the beginning of their migraine journey. People with refractory chronic migraine often have: Seen many specialists over many years Been told that «it’s impossible to have headaches every day» Modified their lifestyle,…
Chronic migraine: basic facts
How does the physician diagnose Chronic Migraine? If you have a history of occasional migraines and the attacks have become more frequent over months or years, so that you now have headache on more than 15 days a month, then a diagnosis of chronic migraine…
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 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…
