Migraine Questions
Common migraine questions and answers
Latest
Does stress cause migraine attacks?
Allan Purdy, MD
There are important questions about the relationship between stress and migraine. Many wonder if stress can trigger migraine attacks. Some are curious about the impact of stress based on migraine type and frequency.
What do you do if your migraine seems to be changing or you have a new type of headache?
Allan Purdy, MD
Migraine can change over time but should periodically be reviewed for continued accuracy of diagnosis and appropriate management. Immediate communication with your provider is particularly critical any time headache changes suddenly and markedly. In those instances, investigation might be necessary to rule out anything that requires immediate attention.
Does migraine attack frequency change over time for women?
Allan Purdy, MD
Migraine changes over time. Attacks can become more frequent in correlation with age and stage of life. Knowing why that is and what to expect can be helpful in managing the disease over the course of a lifetime.
How do you know if you have chronic migraine or some other type of headache disorder?
Allan Purdy, MD
It can be challenging to determine whether a headache disorder is chronic migraine or another type of the many headache disorders that exist. An accurate diagnosis is critical to proper management of the disease, so ensuring the diagnosis is correct initially and that it is periodically re-evaluated is important.
What medical information should be shared during an appointment evaluating for migraine?
Allan Purdy, MD
Reviewing all other diagnoses (comorbidities) and symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated, is an important part of first meetings with your doctor. This will help ensure accurate diagnosis of migraine or other conditions to ensure that your future treatment is as effective as possible.
How can you have an effective conversation for migraine diagnosis when appointments are so short?
Allan Purdy, MD
Communicating a complete medical history to your doctor is essential to accurate diagnosis and treatment. But ensuring there is enough time for that can be tricky, given limitations on appointment lengths in many instances.
How can you best prepare for an appointment with a new doctor or other migraine care provider?
Allan Purdy, MD
Taking the time to prepare for a first appointment with a new provider is an important step in ensuring the best possible outcome for diagnosis and the beginning of your treatment. Several things a patient can do, and a provider’s mindset for history-taking can dramatically boost the productivity of the…
How can you tell the difference between stroke and migraine that can mimic stroke?
Allan Purdy, MD
Some forms of migraine can present with symptoms that mimic stroke symptoms. Knowing the particulars of migraine with aura and how it differentiates from stroke is important in diagnosis.
Why is migraine patient advocacy important?
Patricia Pozo-Rosich, MD, PhD
Those with migraine can help improve their condition by taking ownership and control of their care. They should engage themselves and try to change things through advocacy.
What should happen first with a new patient suspected of having migraine?
Allan Purdy, MD
By the time someone diagnosed with migraine has seen a variety of doctors and specialists, diagnosis may have become clouded. It’s important that the diagnosis itself first be thoroughly explored with a new provider before moving on from there with management.
Why is physical activity recommended in treating chronic migraine?
William B. Young, MD
Physical inactivity has been found to increase inflammation within the body, and this can often exacerbate the pain felt by those with chronic migraine.
Are there any forms of treatment besides medication that can be helpful in treating chronic migraine?
William B. Young, MD
Simple physical activity, such as walking, can often be instrumental in treating chronic migraine. As little as 30 minutes a day has been found to be helpful for many patients.
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