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Migraine Headache information center

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To obtain a personalized treatment report, you will need to complete a questionnaire. Expect to spend from 8 to 15 minutes answering questions.

If you don't have time now to complete the questionnaire but still want information about your treatment options, go to the Quick Look Chart.

	Personal Treatment Evaluation
	Tip: You may get more out of your evaluation if you have relevant medical information handy, such as current medications, prescription drug dosages and lab test results.

	Quick Look
	This chart rates treatment options according to general effectiveness, ease of use, side effects and safety. Be sure to visit again to complete the questionnaire and obtain your personalized evaluation.

	Frequently Asked Questions
	What are common migraine symptoms? What are common migraine symptoms? Migraine symptoms vary a great deal from person to person. The majority of migraine-sufferers (50-70%) have pre-headache symptoms that let you know that a headache is about to occur. Pre-headache symptoms might include tiredness, achiness, moodiness, food cravings, or trouble concentrating. Pre-headache symptoms can last for several hours to days. Once the actual headache begins, it usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours, gradually becomes more severe, and affects one side of the head. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by nausea (more than 50% of patients), vomiting (20%), and increased sensitivity to light and noise (most patients) that makes migraine-sufferers want to lie down in a darkened, quiet room.

	What are migraine "auras"? What are migraine "auras"? About 10% of migraine-sufferers experience symptoms called "auras" which occur before a headache develops, and can include temporary blind spots, blurred vision, seeing flashing lights or zig-zagging lines, and trouble with speech. Occasionally, auras temporarily cause more severe symptoms that can mimic a stroke (such as a loss of vision, dizziness, numbness and tingling, or weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or leg). Auras can sometimes occur without resulting in a headache. Auras are thought to be caused by migraine-related electrical activity in the brain.

	Do I need to take migraine medications daily or can I take them only when I get a migraine? Do I need to take migraine medications daily or can I take them only when I get a migraine? Most people with migraines do not require daily medications but can take drugs on an "as needed" basis, when the migraines occur. Preventive medications that are taken on a daily basis can be helpful under certain circumstances: for individuals who have frequent headaches (approximately 4 or more a month); those who have less frequent but severe or long-lasting headaches; or people who wish to minimize the chance of headaches because of work/lifestyle requirements (for example, someone with a highly demanding job). Usually, daily preventive medications will be prescribed for a limited time (approximately six months) and then stopped to see if migraines have improved and can be managed with "as-needed" medications.

	Can I take over-the-counter drugs or are prescription drugs more effective? Can I take over-the-counter drugs or are prescription drugs more effective? Many over-the-counter drugs are available and can be effective enough for mild to moderate migraines. In general, prescription medications are more effective and tend to be used for migraine-sufferers with more severe symptoms. Medications for nausea are also available and are frequently prescribed for individuals who become nauseated or who vomit in association with their migraines.

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NOTE: Just because a drug or combination of drugs can cause a symptom does not mean it is actually causing your symptom. Symptoms can be caused by medical conditions as well. Make sure that your physician is aware of any symptoms you are experiencing so he/she can work with you to determine the cause. Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information DoubleCheckMD.com provides is intended to help individuals to work with their medical professionals and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or healthcare advice and serves to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of a healthcare professional. In all cases individuals should consult with a physician before taking any action based on DoubleCheckMD feedback including, but not limited to ceasing taking any drug, changing diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The information provided by DoubleCheckMD.com is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective.