The 3 (Sometimes 4) Phases of Migraine

Migraine is more than just the episode itself – it’s surrounded by a series of warning signs, called the Prodrome, an optional Aura, and a hangover, called the Postdrome. It is not uncommon for someone with chronic or near-chronic migraine to be constantly affected by at least one of these phases, making it extremely difficult to experience aContinueContinue reading “The 3 (Sometimes 4) Phases of Migraine”

Medication Overuse Headache

Medication overuse headache, also known as MOH or rebound headache, happens when the frequent use of pain medication leads to a decreased threshold for migraine and reinforces the pain pathways in your brain. In other words, your pain meds themselves start causing migraine episodes. MOH is common in people who have uncontrolled migraine for aContinueContinue reading “Medication Overuse Headache”

Finding a Headache Specialist

If you’ve reached the point where your primary care physician is unable to help you manage your migraine, the most appropriate next step is to look for a headache specialist or other doctor who specializes in migraine disorders. Headache Specialists The American Migraine Foundation has a fantastic tool that allows you to find a qualified HeadacheContinueContinue reading “Finding a Headache Specialist”

Migraine Types

If you’re new to migraine or just starting your research, you may be overwhelmed by the lingo used to describe different types of migraine.  Knowing which type (or types) of migraine you have can help you better describe it to your doctors, allow you to find more relevant information to your specific condition, and letContinueContinue reading “Migraine Types”

Ginger

Does it work? Ginger works very well for some people as both a migraine preventative and abortive – but not everyone.How do I use it? Doses of about 500mg at the earliest sign of a migraine episode are commonly used for pain relief. For prevention, drinking 1-3 cups of ginger tea daily may be beneficial. The BasicsContinueContinue reading “Ginger”

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Does it work? Research is limited, but high doses of riboflavin may work well as a migraine preventative and have virtually no reported side effects.How do I use it? 400mg per day split into two doses is the most commonly recommended dose. The Basics Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is an essential vitamin that assists withContinueContinue reading “Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)”

Vitamin D

Does it work? Maybe – lower vitamin D levels are associated with more migraine symptoms, but results are mixed when it comes to supplementation.How do I use it? Dosage depends on how deficient you are – 50,000 IU/week is a common repletion dose, while 1,000-2,000 IU/day is a common maintenance dose. The Basics Vitamin D, also calledContinueContinue reading “Vitamin D”

CoQ10

Does it work? CoQ10 is an exciting route for migraine treatment that likely works best in people with mitochondrial dysfunction or increased need (which may be all migaineurs!).How do I use it? Ubiquinol is the most easily absorbed form and doses between 150mg and 400mg appear to be most beneficial. The Basics CoQ10, also known as CoenzymeContinueContinue reading “CoQ10”

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Does it work? Research is limited, but high doses of riboflavin may work well as a migraine preventative and have virtually no reported side effects.How do I use it? 400mg per day split into two doses is the most commonly recommended dose. The Basics Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is an essential vitamin that assists withContinueContinue reading “Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)”

CBD Oil

Does it work? Maybe – there is no evidence currently linking CBD oil to migraine directly, but it’s known to help with anxiety and other types of chronic painHow do I use it? Sublingual drops are best choice when purchasing a supplement, and a common starting dose is 20 – 40 mg. The Basics CBD, which standsContinueContinue reading “CBD Oil”