Migraine

Common Questions

Q : When should I call my doctor?

A : If your headaches occur often, wake you at night, limit your ability to function normally, are accompanied by fever or vomiting, or are not helped by recommended doses of pain relievers. Report any headache that comes with weakness, dizziness, numbness, dizziness or any other unusual sensation. See your doctor if your migraine auras change from their usual pattern or last unusually long (over 1 hour). A sudden change in migraine characteristics, onset over the age of 50, frequent auras without a migraine, or a fever accompanying your migraine are also reasons to contact your doctor.

Q : When should I take a pain reliever?

A : A pain reliever is recommended when other treatment methods such as sleep or relaxation are not successful. If you are experiencing a migraine headache, treating it early in the attack usually decreases the intensity and duration of the headache.

Q : How do I know if my headache is a migraine?

A : Your headache is probably a migraine if it is severe, is on one side of the head, and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Your daily activities may be inhibited and you may have difficulty performing certain physical activities such as climbing stairs. Also, about 10% of people experience a migraine aura - visual disturbances or tingling sensations about an hour before the headache starts.

Q : How may future headaches or migraines be prevented?

A : The best way of preventing future headaches is by avoiding individual triggers. Start by recording when your headaches occur and try to identify specific foods, weather conditions or physical, emotional and/or mental disturbances that may occur prior to the onset of your headache. (See also Recommended Tips).