Migraine can vary from a mild inconvenience for some to a debilitating condition for others. There is no single solution, but numerous allies can help you manage and improve your condition. This guide lists the professionals and their roles in supporting migraine sufferers, presented in alphabetical order.
Key Allies in Migraine Management
Acupuncturist: Acupuncture is well studied for migraine, and though the benefits are in good part a placebo response, it is a safe option (including during pregnancy, when most drugs can’t be used). LINKIN 1001
Advocate for Patients: The migraine community needs people who spend time improving the situation at a higher level. Politics influence the health care system, and you as a user. Voters change the system, that’s why patient associations like Migraine Canada™ are important.
Chiropractor: Offers chiropractic care, particularly useful for those with associated neck pain, despite sometimes conflicting views with traditional medicine.
Emergency Medicine Doctor: Treats severe migraine attacks in the ER, providing IV medications. Migraines account for up to 4% of Going to the Emergency Department.
Employer: Can create a migraine-friendly workplace and determine drug coverage plans, significantly affecting migraine management. Best case scenario: a migraine friendly workplace and an employee wellness program with a migraine focus. For more information about migraine in the workplace, see What should your employer know about migraine?
Family Physician: Provides long-term care and initial treatment, though may need to refer complex cases to a neurologist due to limited time and training on headaches.
Headache Specialist: Manages complex migraine cases, often as neurologists, though the expertise in headache medicine varies. Long wait times are common
Insurance Company: Essential for drug coverage and recognizing disability linked to migraine, although often seen as a hurdle due to paperwork. The disability linked to migraine is not well recognized (a good topic for migraine advocacy).
Kinesiologist: Advises on exercise, creating personalized programs to help maintain physical activity tailored to individual needs. For more information, visit How to exercise if you live with migraine.
Massage Therapist: Provides temporary relief from migraine symptoms through massage, though not proven to reduce migraine frequency.
Migraine Canada™: Offers support through awareness, advocacy, education, and research to improve headache care in Canada.
Neurologist: Provides specialized diagnosis and treatment advice, requiring thorough preparation from patients for effective consultation.
Nurse: Supports headache management by gathering information, answering calls, and providing advice, acting as an intermediary with physicians.
Nurse Practitioner: Diagnoses and prescribes treatment, working independently or in collaboration with physicians, with an evolving role in migraine care.
Nutritionist: Provides advice on dietary changes that may impact migraine, from basic hydration to specialized diets like ketogenic. For more information, visit Checklist: Healthy nutrition for migraine
Occupational Therapist: Helps adapt lifestyle and develop strategies to manage migraines through sleep routines, pacing, and relaxation techniques. To read more, visit Pacing with Migraine: Why It’s Helpful and How to Do It?
Osteopath: Uses manual manipulations to improve function, focusing on head, neck, and shoulders, though evidence of effectiveness is limited.
Miracle sellers: These are NOT allies, but you will still meet them on your path. Remember the Golden Rule of Migraine World: no-one-size-fits-all. Any person trying to convince you that migraine can be cured with a “simple trick”, “ancient remedy”, “miracle procedure” or any other should be considered with a good dose of caution. To familiarize yourself with “miracle treatments”, visit Does it work? Is it safe? Finding your way in the jungle of migraine “cures”
Peers with Migraine: Offers support and reduces stigma through shared experiences, though individual differences mean anecdotal advice should not replace scientific evidence.
Pharmacist: Provides medication information, side effect management, and communicates with physicians about potential prescription issues.
Physiotherapist: Treats associated conditions like neck pain and TMJ pain, offering exercise programs to address specific limitations. Visit Can physiotherapy improve migraine?, to learn more.
Psychologist: Addresses coexisting mental health issues, providing life-changing support through various therapeutic interventions. To understand some aspects of psychology for migraine, visit Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Is It a Good Option for People with Migraine?
Secretary: Manages appointments, documents, and communication between healthcare providers, ensuring smooth coordination of care.
Social Worker: Assists with disability issues, drug coverage, and other support services to manage the broader impact of migraine.
Specialists (Other): Various specialists provide targeted support, from allergy testing to sleep apnea treatment, depending on individual needs.
- Anesthesiology: for nerve blocks, facet blocks etc
- Autonomic System expert: migraine may coexist with something called POTS, and this specialist can diagnose it.
- ENT: for sinus issues and vestibular (dizzy) problems
- Gastro-enterology: childhood migraine equivalents include vomiting and abdominal pain
- Geneticist: some forms of migraine with aura are genetic (hemiplegic migraine, mitochondrial disorders) and may require specialized gene testing.
- Internal Medicine: virtually any rare disease can require the help of internal medicine.
- OBGYN: for contraception advice
- Ophthalmology: migraine can be linked with funky visual symptoms, and sometimes this specialist is required.
- Neurosurgeon: usually not involved for migraine only, but is a frequent collaborator for other headaches (tumors, shunts etc)
- Physiatry: assessment of other muscle and joints issues. Also perform blocks and injections.
- Pneumology: sleep apnea, associated with migraine, is usually diagnosed and treated by this specialist.
- Psychiatry: if mental health issues require more than psychotherapy
- Rheumatology: the Ehlers Danlos syndrome is associated with headaches
- Sleep specialist: severe sleep issues may contribute to migraine and sometimes require high level expertise.
Websites: Reliable online resources from official associations and medical institutions offer valuable information and support.
Yoga Teacher: Guides safe practice of yoga and other exercise forms like tai chi, ensuring exercises are appropriate for individuals with migraines.
Conclusion: A diverse team of professionals can support your journey with migraine, each offering unique skills and resources. Remember to reach out and leverage these allies to improve your migraine management and overall well-being.
Any missing person on this list? Email us at [email protected]
Post#15
