Migraine

Why do I have migraine headaches?

Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle to try to figure out what might contribute to your migraine headaches. They might ask you to use a journal or app to track migraine triggers.

Are my headaches really migraine?

There's no test that can diagnose migraine. Your doctor will examine you and ask you about your headaches and other symptoms you have. They may do tests to see if you have other medical conditions that could be causing your problems.

Do migraine headaches go away on their own?

Some people can reduce the number of headaches they get by making lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers. Your doctor can help you decide whether you need medication or other treatment.

Is migraine hereditary?

Experts think genes play a role in migraine. Your doctor may talk to you about whether anyone else in your family has migraine.

Do I need to see a neurologist?

If you have lots of headaches, they're especially bad, or get in the way of your daily life, your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a neurologist.

Which treatment or treatments do you recommend for me?

No one drug or other treatment is right for everyone with migraine. Among other things, your doctor will consider your particular symptoms and other health conditions you may have.

What are your instructions for using this treatment?

For medication to work its best, it's important to take it exactly as prescribed. Ask your doctor for written instructions if you're not clear. Your pharmacist can help, too.

What are the possible side effects from this treatment?

Your doctor can tell you what side effects you might have and what to do if you get them. Your doctor may be able to prevent or stop side effects by starting you with low doses and giving you time to adjust to your medication.

What level of relief should I expect from this treatment?

It's probably not realistic to expect your headaches to stop completely. Your doctor can tell you what success might look like with your particular treatment.

Are there nondrug treatments that might help me?

Avoiding triggers and adopting healthy habits are an important part of any migraine treatment plan. You might also try a nerve stimulation device. Some alternative treatments, like biofeedback, may help, too. Your doctor can help you figure out what might work for you.

How long should it take for my medication to work?

Some rescue, or acute, medicines can take effect within minutes. It might take 2-3 months for a preventive medication to work its best. Your doctor can tell you what to expect.

Should I try a different medication?

You and your doctor may have to try several medicines to find the one that's right for you. Another drug might be more effective or easier for you to tolerate.

Do you recommend adding another medication to my treatment plan?

Some treatments may work better in combination. You might need a separate treatment for nausea, for example. Your doctor can determine what's best for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

What can I do to help my treatment or treatments work better?

A detailed discussion can help your doctor find out whether you're following your treatment plan the right way, or if you might have a migraine trigger that you're not aware of. Keeping a migraine diary might help, too.

Could something besides migraine be causing my head pain?

It's possible that a different problem is causing your headaches. Or you might have a second condition you don't know about. If your doctor suspects there might be another issue, they can do exams and tests to check.