Understanding migraine headache
What is migraine? A migraine headache is more than a bad headache. It is a complex disease that lasts for a long period of time. A migraine headache may cause intense throbbing that usually starts on one side of your head. This feeling may spread to other parts of your head or neck. Migraine headaches can be very painful. The pain may last for hours or days. During a migraine attack, you may feel sick, vomit, and be very sensitive to light and sound. How often can migraine headaches occur? Chronic migraine: Chronic migraine is when you have a headache 15 days or more per month for at least three months. At least 8 of your headaches each month have migraine symptoms. Episodic migraine: This is when your migraine headaches happen fewer than 15 days each month. Your headache symptoms may change from day to day and even within the same day. You may experience both of these types of migraine over time. Signs that a migraine headache may be coming Some people may experience different feelings or sensations before their headaches. Some people don t. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms before a headache: May happen days to hours before the headache Feeling tired all over Having trouble focusing Being sensitive to light or sound Feeling nauseated May happen minutes to about an hour before the headache Seeing zig zag lines or blind spots Feeling pins and needles on one side of your body, face, or tongue Feeling numbness Having trouble speaking
What triggers a migraine attack? Some people get a migraine headache during certain times, like when they are hungry or tired. Events that might cause a migraine headache are called triggers. Not everyone has a trigger, and they may not be the same for everyone. The most common triggers are: Changes in sleep habits Changes in weather Menstrual period Stress Managing your migraine pain There are ways you can deal with pain from migraine headaches. You can take medicine. You can also consider these other pain relief methods, especially at the first sign of a migraine attack. If a migraine headache strikes at work, be prepared with tools to treat it. This may help you get through the day without having to miss work. Ask your healthcare provider about suggestions for pain relief that may make a difference for you. Use a cold pack on your head or neck to lessen the pain. Try a heating pad on your head or neck. Go to a dark, quiet room. Lie down if you can. Healthy lifestyle choices may also help Changes in your everyday life may help lower the number of migraine headaches you get and may make them less painful. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Don t skip meals. Avoid high amounts of caffeine. Exercise regularly and find time to relax. This may help lower stress.
Is it migraine? Many people have headaches. Headaches can be a sign of illness, or they could be a long-term condition. Migraine headaches can have different symptoms than other types of headaches. Check the boxes below that apply to you. Then, share this with your healthcare provider so he or she can review your symptoms and decide what type of headache or other condition you may have. Tension type headache Migraine Cluster headache How often do you have headaches? Varies Varies From once every other day to 8 times per day What does the pain feel like? Pressing or tightening Throbbing or pulsing Burning or searing Where is the pain? Both sides of head Starts on 1 side of head, but can spread to any part of head or neck 1 side of head usually around the eye How bad is the pain? Mild to moderate Moderate to severe Severe to very severe How long does the pain last if not treated? 30 minutes to 7 days 4 hours to 3 days 15 minutes to 3 hours What do you do during headaches? Varies Rest and lie down Pace around restlessly
Track your headaches Make copies of the diary below. Answer the questions every time you have a headache. Then, show all your answers to your healthcare provider. This may help determine how best to treat your headaches. Date and time How long did it last? Pain level 1 = mild 2 = moderate 3 = severe Describe what was happening when the headache started. (Examples: Sleeping, weather change, stress, menstrual period) What symptoms did you have? (Examples: Sensitivity to light/noise, blurry vision, nausea, stiff neck) Did anything help stop the pain? Oct 3 hours Pain = 2:30 pm Working outside on a hot, sunny day. Sensitive to bright sunlight. Yes. Went to a dark, quiet room.
Additional resources Check out these organizations for more information about migraine headache: American Academy of Neurology aan.com American Headache Society Committee for Headache Education achenet.org National Headache Foundation headaches.org National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine HE98916 0816 2016, Lilly USA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.