If you’re one of the millions who experience migraines, you might be familiar with the phenomenon known as aura. In fact, about 1 in 3 people with migraines have this unique set of sensory changes that can precede or accompany their head pain. So, what exactly is migraine aura? Think of it as a series of subtle changes to your senses – like seeing spots, feeling tingling on your face, or experiencing trouble with speech. These sensations typically build up slowly over 20 minutes to an hour before giving way to the classic headache symptoms you know all too well.…

Migraines are complex and unpredictable, but understanding the four phases can help you better manage your attacks. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, you can take control of your treatment plan and work with your doctor to find the best solutions. Phase 1: The Pre-Game Show (Prodrome) Before a migraine attack, many people experience a pre-headache phase that can last up to 48 hours. Also known as “premonitory phase,” this is your chance to take preventative measures and reduce the severity of the upcoming attack. If you’re one of the nearly 8 out of 10 people who experience prodrome, recognize…

If you’re one of the millions of people who experience migraines, you know that it’s not just about the pain. It’s also about the pesky little things that can make your headache worse – like sounds. You might be surprised to learn that sound sensitivity is a common migraine symptom. For some, it’s a temporary annoyance during an attack; for others, it’s a constant companion. Either way, it’s a good thing to know how to manage. So, what’s going on when we become hyper-sensitive to sound? Well, doctors aren’t entirely sure, but they think it might have something to do…

Have you ever experienced a sudden and temporary change in your vision, followed by a debilitating headache? If so, you might be one of the rare individuals affected by retinal migraines, a type of migraine with aura that’s still not fully understood. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the mysteries of retinal migraines, explore what causes them, and discuss how they can be treated. What is a Retinal Migraine? A retinal migraine is characterized by temporary vision changes in one eye, usually starting 5 minutes to an hour before the headache phase. These changes are slow to develop, lasting…

When you live with migraines, you know that every attack is like a puzzle – unpredictable and complex. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s because everyone experiences migraines in their own special way. Some people have symptoms that are consistent from one migraine to the next, while others find that their symptoms change over time or even between attacks. That’s why it’s essential to keep track of your symptoms – to help your doctor figure out what’s going on and how to treat you effectively. But here’s the thing: there’s no single test for…

Are you tired of feeling like you’re walking around in a constant state of tightness, with a headache that just won’t quit? You’re not alone. Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, and they can be downright debilitating. So, what exactly is a tension headache? Simply put, it’s a headache that’s caused by physical changes in how your body senses pain – not by an injury or underlying health condition. The good news is that they’re generally mild to moderate in severity, feeling like a tight band around your head. But here’s the thing: tension headaches are…

Migraines have long been shrouded in mystery, but recent breakthroughs have shed light on the complex mechanisms behind these debilitating headaches. For decades, researchers thought that migraines were primarily a problem of blood vessels in the brain. But in the past two decades, a new understanding has emerged: dysfunctional nerve signaling is also at play. The Trigeminal Nerve and CGRP: The Migraine Duo Key players in migraine are the trigeminal nerves and a signaling molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These two entities have become the focus of innovative treatments. CGRP antibodies, for instance, can prevent migraines from occurring in…

Migraines can be a real pain – literally! But don’t worry, there are many effective medications out there that can help alleviate the symptoms of these pesky headaches. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of migraine medicines and what they’re used for. Abortive Medications: Stopping Migraine Pain in Its Tracks When a migraine attack hits, you need a medication that can stop the pain and other symptoms in their tracks. Abortive medications are designed to do just that. They work best when taken as soon as the headache starts or during the early warning signs of a…

Migraines – a common yet debilitating headache disorder that can impact anyone, but disproportionately affects women (2-3 times more likely than men). In fact, research suggests that migraine is one of the most significant causes of disability worldwide. So, what’s going on? And how do we make sense of this complex condition? The Migraine Spectrum Everyone experiences migraines uniquely, and it’s not uncommon for someone to encounter multiple types throughout their life. The good news is that by categorizing migraines into different types, doctors can better understand and treat the symptoms. Episodic vs. Chronic: What’s the Difference? Traditionally, episodic migraine…

It’s hard to believe that it took decades of research and false starts before we had a breakthrough in migraine treatment. But then, in 1992, sumatriptan was approved, offering new hope for those suffering from these debilitating headaches. The journey to get there was long and winding, filled with twists and turns. It all started with the discovery of serotonin in the late 1940s. This important neurotransmitter had been identified as a potential player in migraine, but it took years of research to understand its role. Initially, scientists thought that blood vessels in the brain were the culprit behind migraines.…