How to talk to your doctor about migraines
Headaches are no walk in the park. However, the disabling nature of migraines distinguishes these attacks from other types of head pain. Experts agree that this life-changing aspect should be emphasized to doctors.
„Don't even use the word headache,“ Gottschalk says. „Talk about, 'These episodes regularly incapacitate me for hours or days.'“ And I can't live like this. ”
Here are some ways a migraine episode can affect your life beyond just head pain.
- You may experience stomach pain or vomiting.
- You may be concerned about light or sound.
- You may feel tired and have difficulty thinking clearly.
- It may cause skin irritation.
If left untreated, these symptoms can last from several hours to several days. Particularly if headaches occur frequently, you may experience brain fog, skin pain, or photosensitivity between attacks.
During a migraine attack, you may not feel well enough to carry out daily activities. And tell your doctor all about how this is affecting your life.
Here are some questions to ask yourself. Please share your answers with your doctor.
- Do you often leave work early or call in sick?
- Do your symptoms affect your ability to attend school or study?
- Are you unable to care for your family during a seizure?
- Do you have trouble staying in a bright office?
- Are you concerned about the light from your computer screen or cell phone?
- Do you also have symptoms of depression or anxiety?
Advocate for yourself and educate your doctors
Most health care providers know about migraines, but not all doctors specialize in headache medications. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help you identify the cause of your headache and get you closer to the right treatment.
“We have something called ID Migraine, which is a three-question screen that has been tested billions of times,” Gottschalk says. „It's like you can find that screen, answer it, and show it to your doctor.“
According to ID Migrane, if you answer yes to at least two of the following three questions, you most likely have a migraine.
- In the past 3 months, have your headaches prevented you from performing your daily activities at least one day?
- Do you feel nauseous when you have a headache?
- Are you bothered by light or sound when you have a headache?
You can also talk to your doctor about POUND mnemonics and memory aids. Tell them if there are at least four of the following during the attack:
- Pthrobbing headache
- ○Daily duration of headache (4 to 72 hours if untreated or ineffective)
- UBilateral (unilateral) headache
- Nnausea or vomiting
- DMy headache won't stop
To learn more about how to identify migraine symptoms, visit our trusted website. Some examples are:
- American Headache Society
- National Headache Foundation
- American Migraine Foundation
You can also find headache quizzes and information on how to talk to your doctor through groups like Miles for Migraines, Migraine Again, or the Headache and Migraine Patients Coalition (CHAMP).
ask to try a new treatment
There are many drugs that target and treat the acute migraine process. These treatments are given as tablets, injections, nasal sprays, or given through a vein in the arm (intravenous drip). You may also benefit from non-drug treatments.
It's difficult to predict which migraine treatment will be best for you. However, there are many ways to stop headaches after they start or reduce the likelihood of future attacks.
In addition to triptans, here are some new acute migraine treatments and preventive migraine treatments you can discuss with your doctor:
- Gepants (CGRP blocker)
- Detance
- Dihydroergotamine (DHE)
- CGRP antagonist
- neuromodulation device
You'll also benefit from:
- biofeedback
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- Lifestyle changes
The goal of acute migraine treatment is to return to normal life. Effective acute migraine treatments mean relief from headache pain (or near pain) within hours. Preventive therapy should reduce the number of future attacks. And the ones you have should be less intense and shorter.
get a second opinion
Let's say you've already talked to your doctor about migraines. And for whatever reason, you don't get the level of care you want. The next person you should see is probably a neurologist.
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain and nervous system. And you should know more about the latest migraine medications and treatments.
Dr. Dawn Bass is a migraine researcher and clinical professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. She says most people receive adequate treatment from their primary care physician. „However, for some people with migraines, their illness may be more complex or severe and they may benefit from seeing a neurologist,“ she says. Masu.
Here are some questions to help you decide if a neurologist is right for you.
- Have you already talked to your doctor or gynecologist about your headaches?
- Has your doctor prescribed a migraine medication that is ineffective or causes side effects?
- Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant and are suffering from severe headaches?
- Do you have a headache more than 15 days a month?
- Have you ever had the “worst headache of your life” or have your headache patterns changed?
What if I have already seen a neurologist but need more complete or advanced treatment?
“If you want to learn more about cutting-edge treatments and combinations of treatments, there are medical professionals and headache centers across the country who specialize in headaches,” Busse says. „But there aren't that many of them, and they're mainly in big cities.“
If you would like to see a headache specialist, but your insurance doesn't cover it or you're far away, consider going for a consultation or two. Buse says a local neurologist or primary care physician may be able to create a treatment plan that can be followed.
Visit the National Headache Foundation or the American Migraine Foundation to find a headache doctor or specialist near you.