Always be prepared
What is a “migraine toolkit”? It’s not a bulky box of meds but a strategy to manage different types of migraine attacks. Not all migraines are the same—some respond to triptans, others to ibuprofen or gepants.
When do people first experience migraine?
I’m often asked when people typically first experience migraine. Migraine attacks can start at almost any age, and their onset varies widely from person to person.
Carsickness and migraine
People with migraine and headaches are more prone to car sickness due to shared neurological pathways that affect sensory processing and balance, particularly involving the vestibular system. Preventative strategies and migraine medications may help alleviate both migraine and car sickness symptoms.
Artificial sweeteners and migraine
Migraine and primary headache disorders are treated using various approaches, with diet playing a significant role. Certain foods or ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners or processed items, can trigger headaches in some individuals. Adjusting dietary habits is often an important part of managing these conditions.
Flying with migraine
Migraine triggers are a frequent topic of conversation with my patients. Many people ask what can trigger a migraine, and the truth is that almost anything can be a trigger. Flying is a common headache trigger for me.
Caffeine, friend or foe for headaches and migraine?
Caffeine has been known to be both helpful and harmful for headaches and migraine. However, the evidence as a headache trigger is mixed.
Melatonin for headaches and migraine
Studies suggest that melatonin can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and headaches in some patients, making it a valuable option for those seeking relief from chronic or episodic pain.
What is a headache doctor / specialist?
A headache specialist is a doctor who has gone beyond standard medical training to become an expert in treating all kinds of headache disorders. If you’re suffering from migraine or other debilitating headaches, it might be time to consider seeing a headache specialist for more focused and comprehensive care.
Diet and Headaches
In my last blog post, I discuss how Monosodium glutamate (MSG) could be potential headache dietary trigger, as well as the controversial history behind MSG-related syndromes.1 Diet can have a significant impact on headaches and migraine, as a wide variety of foods and food additives are known to trigger these conditions.
MSG and Headache
This week, I published a review article on the relationship of MSG (monosodium glutamate) and headaches. MSG has been suspected as a potential trigger for migraines and headaches, but its precise role in causing these conditions remains unclear.
Headache Medicine in Primary Care
Approximately 16% of the US population is impacted by migraines, making them one of the most common neurological disorders.1 Among women aged 15 to 49 years, migraines rank as the leading cause of years lived with disability and the second-highest overall.