Migraine.com Registration and Sign Up Information | migraine.com

View on the web here.

Calling All Those Without Migraine

Lisa Robin Benson- In a recent article titled "This is Our Time," headache specialist and advocate Dr. Young talks about some exciting movements going on in the migraine community and encourages us to all advocate when we can. I am also a firm believer in advocating for migraine, and I feel those with the condition can talk about it in depth and in a powerful way. I�ve met with many in the community and all are amazing at advocating. Just recently, I saw a huge movement to reclaim the #MigrainePose on Instagram and other social media. The news that migraine had become a beauty pose went viral and the hashtag was shortly thereafter taken over by people showing their #TrueMigrainePose with over a thousand... Read more

The Weight of Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

10 Ways Migraine is Not �Just a Headache�

Kerrie Smyres- Migraine is a neurological disorder that�s largely inherited and migraine attacks are terribly painful and often disabling. Sadly, though, migraine is frequently dismissed as �just a headache� and migraineurs are told to take an aspirin and get over it. But those of us with migraine aren�t making a big deal over a measly headache. Here are 10 characteristics that separate migraine from a run-of-the-mill headache... Read more

The Word Headache

Elizabeth Roberts-Zibbel- It's not just a headache. This sentence has been a rallying cry for the last several years in the migraine community, fighting against the idea that migraines are simply bad headaches that we are somehow too weak to tolerate. The stigma surrounding migraine disease is pervasive. It is perpetuated by pain reliever ads (the recent Excedrin #DebateHeadache campaign for example); movies and... Read more

Spoons, and How to Start a Good Conversation

Dr. William B. Young- I have a patient with severe chronic migraine who I took care of many years ago. She got somewhat better and was able to complete her education, get married, and have twins. After that her migraine worsened, and we have not gotten her migraine into very good control. A few months ago, I judged she might be at a place where she could not work but might be able to volunteer to work a few hours for... Read more

Not Drug-Seeking.�Relief-Seeking: Feeling Judged When Seeking Medical Care

Holly Baddour- Most of us have experienced it: being treated as a drug seeker when pursuing treatment for migraine. Whether it be when searching for a new doctor, going to the emergency department for an intractable attack, or when getting a prescription filled, many migraineurs have experienced some sense of being accused of being a drug addict feeding a habit when all we want is relief from pain. I think we can agree that... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Living with Chronic Migraines

I am 21 years old and I have suffered with chronic migraines since I was 13. I felt alone until I found this website and read all of your posts, to be honest. I have such great family and friends around me, but as much as they say �we know how much pain you�re in,� they just don't. I don't want them to know how much pain I am in, I would not wish the pain of living with chronic migraines on anyone. I have tried a number of medications. Pain meds, prevention meds, herbal meds... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How do you raise awareness for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Share information on social media

□ Donate or fundraise

□ Attend advocacy events

□ Talk to friends, family, acquaintances

□ Other

View on the web here.

Woman with her arm around a brain and a stomach.

Chronic Diseases and Friendships

#purpleproject- I�ve lived with illness and debilitating symptoms all of my adult life. Thankfully, the onset of my primary diagnosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, didn�t appear until around age 16. At that age, all you really care about is passing classes, fluttering your eyelashes at your crush and driving around with your newly-obtained driver�s license. Little time is spent on how life �could� be with an illness if you�ve not grown up knowing it. I didn�t grow up with a ton of diversity or education on what being disabled was, other than assuming things when I saw assistive devices being used by older people. I look back now and... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

My Experience With...What's It Called? Topamax!

Tonilyn Hornung- I�m always forgetting my�um�wait�words. It�s a mad dash in the morning getting ready for school. Like an auctioneer, I�m calling out the next article of clothing my Kindergartener needs. I pause. I�m stuck on the name. I see those things that go on his feet sitting there. I know that I know the name. I simply cannot make my mouth say��Shoes!� My son calls out rescuing me... Read more

Gaining Independence with Migraine

Kyky Knight- Truth be told, for the past few years I have been heavily reliant on my partner and caretaker when it comes to getting through my day to day with migraine. From the time I wake up on many days to the time I am laying my head down to rest, I require assistance in both small and big ways. Sometimes it is... Read more

Three Ways Migraine Prepared Me to Be a Parent

Lisa Robin Benson- When we think of migraine we often think of the negative aspects: missed work or school days, cancelled plans, doctor bills, lonely days in bed, days in pain trying to push through, etc. In this video I wanted to explore, though, what migraine has taught me and how I think it makes me a better parent... Read more

Guided Meditation

Editorial Team- Meditation has been shown to have multiple benefits on a person�s health, both physical and emotional. Regular meditation can help relieve pain, increase positive emotions, and improve memory and concentration. Guided meditation is one of the numerous ways to incorporate meditation into your life. In guided meditation, someone talks you through a visualization or awareness exercise. This guided meditation below is... Read more

IV Hydration Therapy: An Approach for Migraine Treatment

Holly Baddour- I was at a fundraiser recently and at the silent auction, I noticed a unique item: an IV Hydration Therapy Session. I�d never heard of the approach, but the description suggested it could be useful for people with migraines. I bid on it and won. I did some research on the approach before I made the appointment. Interestingly... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Migraines and Depression

Sigh. (deep breathe. exhale) I have been communicating with my neurologist for several months that my migraines have been changing as I've gotten older. One major change is at the peak of a migraine attack I develop severe depression, and over time it has gotten intense. I reached out to my regular doctor and my OB/GYN as well in regards to the same issue. Anyone that has ever dealt with... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you been diagnosed with Cluster Headaches?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

□ What is Cluster Headaches?

View on the web here.

A broken speech bubble puzzle with mismatching pieces.

Lost in the Fog: Aphasia and Brain Fog

Tom Picerno- Aphasia is a condition where the communication center of the brain has neurological issues.�It normally occurs in people who have had a stroke. Migraine attacks have symptoms that are very similar to a stroke too. For me, the aphasia is accompanied by brain fog. These symptoms are definitely a one, two punch during a migraine episode. It is incredibly hard for me to function with these two working to disrupt my life. I�ve had to make at least a couple of trips to the emergency room because my wife was so concerned with my uncharacteristic and disoriented behavior. Luckily there have never been any signs of a stroke. I remember... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Neck and Back Pain with Migraine: How Do You Deal With The Pain?

Kyky Knight- The pitch black except for sprinkles of white light from stars and the moon coming gently through my window make for a very soft and serene night scene---one of the more beautiful gifts leftover from winter is that night still begins early---and at this point I�ve been laying in bed through the night waiting for sleep to reach me for six hours already. I contemplate... Read more

Birdhouse: My Start with Migraine

Sawyer Matheny- It�s 7:45 AM in Pre-Calculus my senior year of high school. I�m drowsy from a bad night�s sleep thanks to late-night YouTube surfing. There�s this weird journey that you find yourself on when it�s super late, and you don�t want the next day to happen. Everything that wouldn�t seem interesting during a reasonable hour then becomes your entire world when you don�t... Read more

Living With Migraine: An Interview with Lisa Benson

emilydownward- I recently had the honor of speaking to Lisa Benson for the Health Union podcast, Living With. Lisa is passionate about raising awareness of migraine, and she shares her experiences of diagnosis, how her experience of migraine has shifted over her life, and how she copes with migraine as a new mom. Living With�is a podcast featuring the people and stories behind... Read more

What is the INvisible Project?

Katie M. Golden- The INvisible Project is a magazine that aims to make invisible illnesses more visible to the outside. Each edition tells the story of ten people or families who live with an invisible illness and highlights the good, the bad and the ugly through pictures of their daily life. Each participant is in a different stage in their personal journey; some inspire us, others are still searching and there isn�t always a happy ending... Read more

Are Blue Blocking Glasses for Screen Time Worth it?

#purpleproject- Several years ago, I was one of the very few who experienced adverse vision side effects after 1 session to help treat my hemiplegic migraines. If you�ve read my article, My Break Up With Botox, you also know that because of the damage it did, I have been left with what seems to be more long-term damage than short. This has left me with having to find a LOT of reading glasses and naturally for me, losing a lot of reading glasses. Because I also struggle... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
A Little Self-Care

I always dread sending that text or email with the familiar words �I�m not going to be able to make it. I have a migraine.� I can already picture the rolling eyes. Feel their scorn or disappointment. Hear the conversation among my friends, co-workers, family, or boss. �She always has a migraine.� �That�s the third one this month.� �How bad could it be?� �Do you really think she has a migraine?� �Why doesn�t she just take her meds?� �How convenient.� Of course, I don�t know if any of this is said or not. But my mind immediately... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you experience back or neck pain due to migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Figure standing visibly in both head and full body pain.

June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Editorial Team- June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM, #MHAM19). Let's help to stop the stigma by shedding light on the true impact of migraine and educate others about the REAL symptoms which go far beyond just head pain! We�ve got some great tools for connecting with others in the community and engaging ways to help make our voices heard all month long. Check out how you can... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

FDA Approves Emgality for Episodic Cluster Headache

Editorial Team- On June 4, 2019, the FDA approved Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) for the treatment of episodic cluster headache in adults. Emgality is a CGRP (calcitonin-gene related peptide) antagonist brought to market by Eli Lilly.�In addition to its prior approval for the prevention of migraine, this approval is significant because it is the first drug approved in the US for decreasing the frequency of episodic cluster attacks... Read more

Not Too Bumpy, Not Too Bright: Goldilocks Desperately Searching for a Migraine Friendly Car

Holly Baddour- Finding the right car is incredibly important for a migraineur. When in the throes of a migraine attack, if we have to drive ourselves home, the design of a car has the capacity to either make us more comfortable or exacerbate our pain. In this video, Holly asks for help in finding a migraine-friendly car. This important purchase is one with which we all wrestle- but when we add migraine... Read more

Yes, I Can with Migraine: Speaking from a Place of Power

Kyky Knight- Talking about migraine and work is one of those things that stings like a bee. It is difficult to prepare for and its impact lingers on well after it�s happened. I�ve had many, many conversations about migraines and the workplace with folks in the migraine community, as well as with colleagues who don�t live with the disease. There are a lot considerations for folks who live with migraine when it comes to working, like... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Editorial Team- Living with migraine can look different from person to person. Take this quiz to get your customized Migraine Explorer results which will help you navigate to information and sources of support while you manage your migraine. How many migraine days do you experience per month? How concerned are you about managing migraine symptoms? How satisfied are you with... Read more

Chronic Diseases and Friendships

#purpleproject- I�ve lived with illness and debilitating symptoms all of my adult life. Thankfully, the onset of my primary diagnosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, didn�t appear until around age 16. At that age, all you really care about is passing classes, fluttering your eyelashes at your crush and driving around with your newly-obtained driver�s license. Little time is spent on how life �could� be with an illness if you�ve... Read more

I�m Here. How Can I Help? 5 Ways to Be Supportive

Editorial Team- There�s a lot of pressure and misunderstanding about mental health. Knowing what to say and do can be tricky. You can be a positive force for friends and loved ones by checking in about mental and emotional wellbeing. Here are five tips for navigating these conversations... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
6 Weeks?

This is really not a story, but a question....... It's a first for me, I'm used to Migraines that hang around for a couple of weeks, but now I'm on eek 6, pushing 7. Most of the pain runs between 6 and 8 - on that crazy scale that they want you to use - but I can tell you that last Friday I was at 24! It seems to be the weather - Lows- and we've had a lot of them recently. Add the 24 to the sneezes of my allergies and it pops up closer to 34! Anyone have... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you ever tried Botox, Aimovig, Ajovy or Emgality as a treatment for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, I have tried one or more of these

□ No, I have not tried any of these as a treatments

□ I have not heard of any of these treatments

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Enter Our TheraSpecs Giveaway!

Editorial Team- Get excited! TheraSpecs has so kindly & generously offered to partner with us again during Migraine Awareness Month in a fantastic giveaway! Do you deal with light sensitivity? If so, then this giveaway is for you! Three (3) winners will be randomly selected to receive a TheraSpecs gift voucher.�This voucher can be used towards the purchase of ANY selected style or pair of your personal choice. If you're not familiar with TheraSpecs, they are specially-tinted glasses designed for people with migraine because they block wavelengths of light that can trigger or aggravate attacks. Promotion Prizes will be awarded consisting of: One (1) Top Prize Winner, $100 TheraSpecs Gift Voucher. One (1) Second Prize Winner... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine and Menstruation

Kyky Knight- There are few things I dread more than being confined to my bed, exhausted and unable to get up and do what I need or want to do. This is an especially dreadful experience when coupled with pain. Unfortunately, due to chronic migraines, this is an experience that awaits me often, especially during the warmer months of the year. At least a few days a week, I find myself... Read more

Shades for Migraine: Join Us to Beat the Stigma!

Editorial Team- In 2017, the Association of Migraine Disorders created Shades for Migraine as a way to generate a viral buzz around a disease that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. The campaign not only provides the migraine community with a fun, easy way to bring positivity to a normally dark and dismal subject but it also strives to reach the general public to fight the stigma and misinformation that surrounds the disease. Shades for Migraine challenges everyone to �show they care and wear a pair� of... Read more

Have a question? "Ask the Advocates" in our Facebook Live Event!

Editorial Team- Do you have burning or unanswered questions about migraine? If so, please join us for our very first exclusive Facebook Live "Ask The Advocates" event for Migraine & Headache Awareness Month! Our advocates, Katie Golden, Alene Brennan & Nancy Bonk will be joining us live to answer the questions you have always wanted to ask! From managing symptoms, avoiding triggers, trying different treatments, and more - we welcome you to ask them... Read more

Building a Relationship with Health to Live Well with Migraine

Sarah Hackley- Relationships are a constant part of life. We have relationships � whether good or bad, strong or frail � with spouses and partners, children, parents, siblings, coworkers, bosses, and friends. And, if we live with chronic illness, with our health. Having a relationship with my health wasn�t ever on my list of life dreams. Until I became chronic with migraine over a decade ago, it wasn�t something I even considered. My health wasn�t... Read more

How to Use Emgality Self-Injector

Holly Baddour- Many of us are sent home with the Emgality Self-Injector, a delivery device for the CGRP treatment medication, after perhaps one demonstration by our physicians. This video is a demonstration to illustrate how to utilize the injection device. In the comment section below, please share any questions or experiences you are having using Emgality or visit our forum on the topic here... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
This House Is My Prison

My home is a safe place, But this house is my prison. I can control the surroundings, But my surroundings control me. I can be at peace here, But I'm living a nightmare. The solitude can be addicting, But I crave for someone. The pain echoes in my veins, But the silence is deafening. The beauty of the sun, Leaves me running to the dark. The wonderful smell of dinner, Makes me dread whats next. My body craves the light, But my head needs the dark. My body needs sleep, But my head can't... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you have a question about migraine for our advocates?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Resisting the Urge to Curl Up

Holly Baddour- Getting and keeping the body moving is only growing in importance for me these days. As I continue aging and navigating the challenges of chronic daily migraines, I notice my body trending toward curling up, slowing down, and away from physical activity. And yet I have learned after years of doing just that (sitting nearly frozen in fear with the knowledge that movement would exacerbate pain), there is such goodness to be gained in pushing against that inclination;�goodness in embracing health and striving for wellness. Exercising is one of the few proactive steps I can take in response to... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Are Blue Blocking Glasses for Screen Time Worth it?

#purpleproject- Several years ago, I was one of the very few who experienced adverse vision side effects after 1 session to help treat my hemiplegic migraines. If you�ve read my article, My Break Up With Botox, you also know that because of the damage it did, I have been left with what seems to be more long-term damage than short. This has left me with having to find a LOT of reading glasses and naturally for me, losing a lot of reading glasses. Because I also struggle... Read more

Medication Assistance Programs & Barriers to Treatment

Marcia Kavulich- People living with migraine often bear a financial burden and can be routinely denied when trying to access treatments, especially the most recently approved class of drugs, CGRPs. I connected with Lindsay Videnieks, the Executive Director of the Headache and Migraine Policy Forum (HMPF) in order to get some answers on what people in the migraine community can do when they're facing barriers to their migraine treatment. Can you give our readers... Read more

Controlling My Sweet Tooth

Alene Brennan- I�ve always had a sweet tooth. It�s certainly gotten better over the years, but I still crave a little sweet treat every once in a while. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enjoy naturally sweet foods to satisfy the craving without doing harm to your body or putting you at risk for triggering a future migraine. Natural fruit strips and ginger chews are my go-to�s. What are yours? ... Read more

What�s Your Secret: 5 Go To�s That Help You Manage Life with Chronic Migraine

Holly Baddour- We all have things we count on when we feel a migraine coming on. Over months or perhaps years of managing life with chronic migraine, we each have learned ways to comfort ourselves when we are feeling our worst. In this What�s Your Secret video, we share five favorites of one of our contributors in hopes of inspiring those in our community to brainstorm what works best for them... Read more

Bob Wold's Journey to a Cluster Headache Diagnosis

Marcia Kavulich- It is an exciting time in the migraine and headache disease world of treatment research. In addition to CGRPs being approved for the prevention of migraine in 2017, one of these CGRP drugs, Emgality, was recently approved in the US for decreasing the frequency of episodic cluster attacks. In the midst of these recent medical breakthroughs, I had the pleasure of speaking with Clusterbusters president, Bob Wold, about his personal journey with cluster headache and how.. Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Muddled Mind

This little article began as a note taking session while I was reading a book by famed neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, and has evolved into a study of my own migraine experience. I agree with Dr. Sacks that the brain is "most incredible thing in the universe�, alongside love and maybe coffee. It is incredible to think (irony) that the three pound lump of fat and neurons rattling around inside our heads is the reason why our reality is, well, reality. The majority of people with migraine are born with a compromised nervous system. Something, somewhere, is not firing on all cylinders at all times. Researchers have now... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How often does migraine impact your sex life or ability to be intimate?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Always

□ Occasionally

□ Rarely

□ Never

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Migraine Explorer

Editorial Team- Living with migraine can look different from person to person. Take this quiz to get your customized Migraine Explorer results which will help you navigate to information and sources of support while you manage your migraine. 1. How many migraine days do you experience per month? 2. How concerned are you about managing migraine symptoms... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Advice People without Migraines Have Given Me

Tonilyn Hornung- I stopped telling people about my daily migraines, because I noticed a strange trend when I�d reveal my brain-grilling neurological disorder: the tips. The lovely woman I�d meet at a dinner party or the fun mom I met at carpool would suddenly be moved to give me tips on how to fix my head. These almost helpful instructions always started out the same way, �I don�t get migraines, but have you tried� Read more

Honoring My Sister's Migraine Journey on Remembrance Day

Billy Dwyer- Trigger Warning The content includes information related to mental and emotional distress and it might be upsetting to some people. On June 7th, folks throughout the migraine community will be recognizing �Remembrance Day.� It�s a day during Migraine Awareness Month, where we come together to honor those who have lost their battle with this life-altering disease... Read more

10 Ways Migraine Makes You Feel

Holly Baddour- Although there are over 36 million people living with migraine in the US alone, there is no one emotional response to navigating this incredibly challenging neurological disease. We are introducing �Migraine 10 Ways� � and inviting you to share ten emotions that arise as you manage chronic migraine. Using #migraine10ways, please join in... Read more

Enter Our TheraSpecs Giveaway!

Editorial Team- Get excited! TheraSpecs has so kindly & generously offered to partner with us again during Migraine Awareness Month in a fantastic giveaway! Do you deal with light sensitivity? If so, then this giveaway is for you! Three winners will be randomly selected to receive a TheraSpecs gift voucher.�Promotion Prizes will be awarded consisting of... Read more

Migraine Therapy Dog

Tom Picerno- When suffering with a migraine there are many ways to make it through an attack. This video is a short example of how I use my dog, Sam, as a therapy dog. He stays by my side during an attack, and he comforts me and keeps me much more calm than if I have an attack without him. He was not trained to be a therapy dog. He just became one as part of how he interacts with me. I believe animals have... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
You Would Expect a Hospital to Get It

I few months ago I had to plan a minor surgical procedure. The idea of general anesthesia made me a little nervous. For the rest, I knew it was going to be a simple operation and I was pretty relaxed about it. The night before the surgery I manage to fall asleep easily and I wake up calm and refreshed. My stomach feels a little empty but all the rest is fine. My partner is... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you entered our TheraSpecs giveaway yet?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ Not yet

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Envelope with light rays and paper with star coming from inside.

An Open Letter to My Doctors

Shoshana Lipson- �Please don�t give up on me!� I find that thought going round and round in my head every time a doctor�s appointment is pending. It�s a silent plea that rarely is verbalized but which trails so many of us doggedly. Even when we've had good experiences with the medical profession this concept of "giving up" often lingers. Interestingly, it was a conversation with a pharmaceutical research scientist that helped me put it into perspective recently. He pointed out how migraine disease is often treated differently than other diseases. There is more of a tendency to give up, both ourselves, society and even healthcare professionals. It is more likely for people with migraine to be told to �accept� things as they are or accept minimal improvement. Personally, I've been really privileged to... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

The Balance of Knowing Limits: Relying On Being Unreliable

Tonilyn Hornung- My family and friends can rely on me to be unreliable. I doubt they have me on speed dial when they need help moving a couch or need someone for a one person surprise party. I can�t be trusted to be there. I can, however, be counted on to change my schedule at a moments notice. My heart may desperately want to show up, but my head is constantly making other plans. The text I got read: Hey, would you be able to pick her up... Read more

CGRPs � Navigating Wellness for the First Time in Years

Holly Baddour- Many in our community who are experimenting with the new CGRP therapies are experiencing a sense of wellness for the first time in years.�With the emergence of freedom from pain comes a rush of new thoughts and conflicting feelings. In a desperate search for relief, most of us have tried multiple treatment approaches in the past with varied outcomes. Perhaps we experienced only a temporary reprieve from pain. Maybe we were so excited by a successful therapy that we celebrated loudly, announcing to the world that... Read more

Cluster Headache Diagnosis Today

Marcia Kavulich- In part 1 of an interview with Bob Wold of Clusterbusters, we learned how long it took for Bob to receive his cluster diagnosis. We wondered what it was like for people receiving a cluster headache diagnosis 40 years late rand if there has been any improvement. It�s getting a little better and hopefully, some of the stuff we�ve been doing is making it better - bringing awareness to the condition, all the advocacy work, and teaching doctors about it. Forty years ago most doctors hadn�t... Read more

What's Your Secret: Postdrome

Lisa Robin Benson- Postdrome is also known as the "migraine hangover." It's the last stage of a migraine after the attack abates. In this What's Your Secret video, we discuss tips and tricks for dealing with this nagging and often frustrating phase of the attack. What is your postdrome like, if you experience that phase? What are some of your tips and tricks for helping yourself feel better?... Read more

Lost in the Fog: Aphasia and Brain Fog

Tom Picerno- Aphasia is a condition where the communication center of the brain has neurological issues.�It normally occurs in people who have had a stroke. Migraine attacks have symptoms that are very similar to a stroke too. For me, the aphasia is accompanied by brain fog. These symptoms are definitely a one, two punch during a migraine episode. It is incredibly hard for me to function with these two working to disrupt my life. I�ve had to make at least a couple of trips to the emergency... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
You Would Expect a Hospital to Get It

I few months ago I had to plan a minor surgical procedure. The idea of general anesthesia made me a little nervous. For the rest, I knew it was going to be a simple operation and I was pretty relaxed about it. The night before the surgery I manage to fall asleep easily and I wake up calm and refreshed. My stomach feels a little empty but all the rest is fine. My partner is coming with me to the hospital. We don�t have a car here so we call an Uber. Unfortunately, the car has one of these tree air �fresheners� that smell like mango and artificial sweet stuff. I find it terrible and as soon as we hop in I start feeling a little tension around the neck. But soon enough we... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Did you watch our most recent Ask the Advocates Facebook Live?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ I do not recall

View on the web here.

Bob Wold's Journey to a Cluster Headache Diagnosis

Marcia Kavulich- It is an exciting time in the migraine and headache disease world of treatment research. In addition to CGRPs being approved for the prevention of migraine in 2017, one of these CGRP drugs, Emgality, was recently approved in the US for decreasing the frequency of episodic cluster attacks. In the midst of these recent medical breakthroughs, I had the pleasure of speaking with Clusterbusters president, Bob Wold, about his personal journey with cluster headache and how it lead him to create an incredible organization for people with cluster. In part one of this interview series, Bob shares his long journey to receiving an accurate diagnosis... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine and Sex: It's Complicated

Kyky Knight- Well, I guess I will just say it plainly: migraine has impacted my sex life in irreparable ways. That is a heavy statement, but so is living with migraine disease. While migraine overtly impacts so many areas of my life, from my jobs to my diet, it also has a stark impact on some of the more intimate and hidden parts of my life, presenting difficult challenges to navigate in my long term relationship of seven years, as well as causing trouble in my... Read more

Some Migraine Questions May Not Have Easy Answers

Shoshana Lipson- Some questions are simply not easy to answer, and it�s strange to me that for some reason this is a cause of stress. I want to have answers � for myself and for others. It's important for me to be able to explain what is going on, when the migraine attacks started, and why they are not getting better. There is a driving desire to know what is currently unknowable. Maybe because somehow, in some way, this would give back some sense of... Read more

What�s Your Secret: 5 Go To�s That Help You Manage Life with Chronic Migraine

Holly Baddour- We all have things we count on when we feel a migraine coming on. Over months or perhaps years of managing life with chronic migraine, we each have learned ways to comfort ourselves when we are feeling our worst. In this What�s Your Secret video, we share five favorites of one of our contributors in hopes of inspiring those in our community to brainstorm what works best for them... Read more

Tell Us About Your Childhood

Lisa Robin Benson- This June, for migraine awareness month, we want to know when your awareness of migraine came about! In our 2018 Migraine in America survey, we found that 56% of respondents experienced symptoms of migraine before they turned 18, but only 26% were diagnosed before adulthood. Lisa talks about her experiences being undiagnosed with migraine as a child and how she had very little awareness of migraine until her late 20's. Watch her video and let us know what your experiences are. Sharing our stories is one... Read more

My Migraines Were Misdiagnosed For Years

Tonilyn Hornung- I�ll read the last pages of a book while still in the middle. I�ve been known to text friends to ask how episodes of�TV shows end. I�m not so good with not knowing. Which is why when my migraines started, I wanted to know the story behind them too. I�d stumped the doctor. I was informed my �migraines� didn�t fit the traditional mold: throbbing pain in the forehead, temples, and the back of the neck. My agony felt like the side of my head was roasting... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Reluctant Pain Warrior

I never asked for this, Never wanted it But it slammed me down And broke my spirit Endless days of agony and despair Loss of friends and relationships Lying in the dark; Alone Not much different than being dead Did I die and not remember? Am I in an endless hell loop? Hope and happiness have deserted me Oh how I want to be free How I need to be free Wrestling daily with ending the pain; Could I, Would I, inflict so much sadness and trauma on my family - just to get relief? Therefore I must become a... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Would you like customized migraine information?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Woman with back turned to doctor giving another diagnosis.

My Migraines Were Misdiagnosed For Years

Tonilyn Hornung- I�ll read the last pages of a book while still in the middle. I�ve been known to text friends to ask how episodes of�TV shows end. I�m not so good with not knowing. Which is why when my migraines started, I wanted to know the story behind them too. I�d stumped the doctor. I was informed my �migraines� didn�t fit the traditional mold: throbbing pain in the forehead, temples, and the back of the neck. My agony felt like the side of my head was roasting and a hot spike had been pushed through my jaw. It was the jaw pain that had confused my General Practitioner. What I�d described won me a lovely parting gift in the shape of... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Superpowers of a Migraineur

Tom Picerno- When I think of all the things that migraine has taken from me over the years it�s easy to feel defeated. I�ve lost countless minutes of family time that I�ll never get back. I�ve missed deadlines at work, or just made them by the grace of God. I opted to stay in rather than go out and be social for fear that I would wind up having to cancel plans with friends. My circle of friends has grown smaller and smaller, and my family has... Read more

"I Describe My Migraine...."

Editorial Team- Just as no two people living with migraine are the same, no two people describe their migraine the same! We asked our Migraine.com community and on Facebook to complete this sentence, "I describe my migraine... "A glass grenade in suspended animation of explosion inside my head hijacking my body and life." "A pain that will almost destroy you." "Like a railroad spike driven into my left temple, that travels to behind my left eye, then left ear. And if haven't taken... Read more

Bob Wold's Journey to a Cluster Headache Diagnosis

Marcia Kavulich- It is an exciting time in the migraine and headache disease world of treatment research. In addition to CGRPs being approved for the prevention of migraine in 2017, one of these CGRP drugs, Emgality, was recently approved in the US for decreasing the frequency of episodic cluster attacks. In the midst of these recent medical breakthroughs, I had the pleasure of speaking with Clusterbusters president, Bob Wold, about his personal journey with cluster headache... Read more

Essential Oils Bracelet for People with Migraine

Alene Brennan- Essential oils are, well an �essential� part of how I manage my health including migraines. I find peppermint and lavender to be effective in eliminating headaches and reducing the intensity of migraines. So� when I discovered super cute bracelets that you could apply essential oils to, I was all in! I have two leather bracelets and one lava rock bracelet that I apply my favorite oils and it�s just an extra bonus to... Read more

Personalized Migraine Information

Editorial Team- With 40 million people in the United States living with migraine, it is important to be able to navigate this disease on a personal level as life with migraine can look different from person to person. For personalized migraine information, answering four short questions in the Migraine Explorer will suggest articles that are tailored for you, and will help guide you to information and sources of support while you manage your migraine. Explore your migraine... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Phantom Triggers

What can I say beyond that title? I know there are others out there who experience this. You think you know your triggers. You have no idea what your triggers are. Two days can seem identical. One day you get a migraine. Another you are migraine-free... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How important is migraine awareness to you?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Extremely Important

□ Important

□ Somewhat Important

□ Not Important

□ Unsure

Thank you for registering with Migraine.com

You are one step away from an online community of people dedicated exclusively to migraine. To confirm your account and get started, click below to verify your email address and finalize your account.

Click here to verify your account

You will be asked to set a password and you’ll then be able to get started!

To opt out of future Migraine.com emails, please click here to unsubscribe.

View on the web here.

A bowl shaped like the lower half of a head filled with keto friendly foods that are outlined in the article.

Here's What Happened When I Tried Keto: Part 1

Tonilyn Hornung- When my neurologist suggested I try Keto, I wondered how losing my money in Vegas was going to help my migraines. I quickly realized he wasn�t talking about the numbers game, Keno, but this regimen places one�s body in a state of ketosis. With my migraines, change was always slow but I was ready to roll the dice and give Keto a shot. Over the years, I�d tried other food-related migraine cure-alls. I had a go at the Drink Your Ten Times Your Weight In Water remedy that friends suggested. After six months, when my migraines hadn�t abated, and I had reoccurring dreams I was floating to Mars, I went back to drinking normal amounts of water. Just on the off chance that I had a food... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
Take our survey: Migraine In America

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Resisting the Temptation of Comparison

Kyky Knight- Have you ever heard the quote �Comparison if the thief of joy�? When I was younger, I remember older adults in my life using this quote to encourage and validate me when I would find myself upset at the differences between myself and my peers - differences of which I tended to think I got the lesser bargain on. Why wasn�t I taller? Why did I have to wear glasses? Why wasn�t I good at sports? Being young brings many considerations about ourselves in relation to... Read more

My Spouse's Perspective on My Migraines

Lisa Robin Benson- My husband and I just celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary, and all told, have been together almost seventeen years! He's been with me in both pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis, and in both chronic and episodic times. He's seen a lot in terms of my migraines and has been an incredible support for me. I also think he's learned a lot about migraine since my diagnosis. I thought I'd ask him a few questions to get his perspective on my migraines. Because it�s a one-sided change, it�s... Read more

Seven Tips for Parents

Editorial Team- Navigating life with a chronic condition like migraine can be challenging. Adding children and parenting stress into the mix can make it feel like an impossible task at times. No matter where you�re at in your battle with your condition, and what your personal challenges are, there are ways to try to plan for the struggles of parenting. Although each individual parent and child will have their own needs, there are some common tips for families of all shapes and sizes. One of the biggest frustrations... Read more

Does Survival of the Fittest Really Apply to People with Migraine?

Khalid Moomand- Now here is a question that I have asked myself a few times throughout the years.�While under the spell of a migraine, I really don�t see a whole lot of advantage in suffering from this debilitating pain. Nevertheless, it is obvious that genetics play a role in migraines and therefore subject to evolutionary natural selection and survival of the fittest. I have recently come across a research paper that discusses some of these advantages and would like to share them with you, fellow migraineurs... Read more

Prodrome, It�s Just the Beginning

Tom Picerno- Prodrome is the first stage of symptoms for a migraine attack. It can start hours or even days before the attack begins. It is subtle and often creeps into our lives without being immediately noticed. There is a laundry list of symptoms that can be part of this phase, and here are just a few to them: irritability, yawning, food cravings, light sensitivity, fatigue, muscle stiffness, nausea, and difficulty with reading and speaking. For me, I identify with yawning excessively and the muscle stiffness combined... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
I Never had Migraines, UNTIL I had a CONCUSSION

Hi Before my TBI/concussion in the year 2000, I never even had bad headaches! I had mild headaches. And even then, not often. Unfortunately, I suffered a severe concussion in the year 2000. Back then, doctors, including specialists, knew nothing about symptoms, risks or treatments. I went BACK to work 4 days later, and worked in front of a computer 10 hours a day! I suffered without diagnosis or treatment until 2011, when new research identified concussions /TBI as a cause of permanent migraines. In people who never suffered migraine previously. A neurologist confirmed the diagnosis, and I started taking... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Will you help reveal the true impact of migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Person wearing shorts and sneakers walking across sidewalk. On the sidewalk is a small flag and speed bump that has an icon of a brain and an exclamation mark that the person is stepping over.

Prodrome, It�s Just the Beginning

Tom Picerno- Prodrome is the first stage of symptoms for a migraine attack. It can start hours or even days before the attack begins. It is subtle and often creeps into our lives without being immediately noticed. There is a laundry list of symptoms that can be part of this phase, and here are just a few to them: irritability, yawning, food cravings, light sensitivity, fatigue, muscle stiffness, nausea, and difficulty with reading and speaking. For me, I identify with yawning excessively and the muscle stiffness combined with fatigue. Even though I know these are prodrome symptoms I still don�t always catch on until I get into the aura phase of an attack or the attack itself. I�ve had migraine for several years and have undergone countless tests. There is the constant prodding... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Laying Back Into The Stream, And Letting The Sadness Be

Kyky Knight- As someone who spends a lot of time in their head (pun only somewhat intended), I have found myself going over the fact that migraine can be a very lonely and isolating disease over and over lately. For many of us, migraine can have a way of stealing our joy and happiness, and sometimes there isn�t much we can do in the way of preventing that pain or standing up in spite of it. Sometimes we are sad and totally out of energy to fight or... Read more

Getting Intimate with Migraine

Editorial Team- Check out our special section dedicated to navigating relationships, getting through to your partner, dating, intimacy, and more! Managing relationships can be challenging for anyone, but when you add Migraine to relationships, the dynamics are changed, adding even more challenges. There�s no questioning the value of good relationships to our health. The value of friendship has been studied repeatedly... Read more

Community Experiences: Cluster Headache

Editorial Team- Have you been diagnosed with cluster headache? If you have then you know that it is a pain like NO other and that it is considered one of the most painful medical conditions. Here is what you (our community) has to share about their experiences living and experiencing cluster headache. "I have started getting cluster headaches as 'warning' headaches before big migraines. Fortunately they've been quite short, but man are they painful!" "Cluster attacks are usually like clockwork and are more likely around the equinoxes... Read more

Release Tension with This Pillow

Alene Brennan- I find that neck tension is an early indicator and trigger for my migraine attacks. That�s why I was excited to give this acupressure pillow a try. It�s a cervical pillow with spikes on it that are designed to connect with acupressure points in your head and neck and therefore release tension. I have not tried it during a migraine, but I have tried in as a way to release tension before it gets to the level of a migraine. Every little bit... Read more

Cluster Headache Diagnosis Today

Marcia Kavulich- In part 1 of an interview with Bob Wold of Clusterbusters, we learned how long it took for Bob to receive his cluster diagnosis. We wondered what it was like for people receiving a cluster headache diagnosis 40 years late rand if there has been any improvement. It�s getting a little better and hopefully, some of the stuff we�ve been doing is making it better - bringing awareness to the condition, all the advocacy work, and teaching doctors about it. Forty years ago most doctors hadn�t... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Feeling Better Means Feeling Feelings

I've been on Aimovig for close to a year. It was working okay - down to four to six migraines a month (from 12 a month) but I was still having a lot of fatigue. At my visit to the neurologist a couple of months ago he asked how I was doing. Okay, I said. We talked and he decided to include my old preventative of candesartan into the mix with the Aimovig. As of today, I haven't had a single migraine with head pain episode. I have had a few days of migraine-like exhaustion that come with nausea and feel like the pain is coming, but it never does. I am very lucky and very excited but also sad, stressed and tired (usually things that went hand in hand with... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Which type of articles do you enjoy reading most on Migraine.com?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Personal Stories

□ Advocacy and/or Awareness

□ Lifestyle

□ Treatment

□ Symptoms

□ Other

View on the web here.

A crowd made of silhouettes with a glowing led sign pointing to one person .

The Intersection Between How We Look and How We Feel

Holly Baddour- One of the bizarre components of migraine is that while we may feel as though our scalps are cracked open and bleeding, with daggers lodged in our eyeballs, we may look absolutely fine to the outside world. The contrast between how we feel on the inside and how we look on the outside can lead to confusion on many levels. For friends, family, and coworkers, our frequent claims of severe pain may arouse suspicion and a sense of disbelief. After all, how in the world can we be feeling so terrible while looking so normal? The disparity between how we look and how we feel does nothing to dispel the myth that migraineurs are faking pain. Other than eying those wearing hats and sunglasses inside, there is no easy way to identify... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Trying 70 Different Treatments for Cluster Headache

Marcia Kavulich- For 20 years, I tried 70 DIFFERENT prescription medications and hundreds of combinations. That�s really typical for people with cluster to get prescribed 3 or 4 different medications. If they get 10-15% reduction in cluster attacks, their doctor will keep them on that then add more and more prescriptions on top of what they�re taking. I was on 8 different prescription medications at a time trying to figure out different combinations that worked... Read more

Here's What Happened When I Tried Keto: Part 2

Tonilyn Hornung- �Did you start The Ketogenic Regimen? What are you eating for dinner?� my sister asked. �I started yesterday, and I think we�re ordering Chinese Food!� �You can�t eat that,� my sister said. She explained that sugar was an added ingredient in the sauces of my favorite dishes. When I called the restaurant to inquire they confirmed this. In fact, when I asked which meals had no sugar they suggested I eat a salad. I began to understand the severity of my new food program and a greater truth�sugar... Read more

Managing Migraine: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Shoshana Lipson- Honestly, I�ve never been a huge fan of exercise, but I kinda understand the bare minimum. That exercise in some form is good for general health, and more importantly that it can help with pain management. I also understand that there is a huge difference between a sprint and a marathon. Just the word �marathon� makes me want to run for the hills (no pun intended). The reality is that learning to live with and manage migraine is exactly that. We want it to be... Read more

Performing Shakespeare with Migraine

Sawyer Matheny- �To be or not to be? That is the question. Whether �tis nobler in the�mind�to�suffer�the slings and arrows�� - William Shakespeare That's a partial phrase from one of the most popular, quoted, and influential pieces in all of western literature: Hamlet. This gargantuan work of the late, great English author William Shakespeare was something that I never thought I would seriously have to tackle. Growing up, all I really knew was that the plot had inspired the Lion King. A jealous uncle kills his brother in... Read more

Here's What Happened When I Tried Keto: Part 1

Tonilyn Hornung- When my neurologist suggested I try Keto, I wondered how losing my money in Vegas was going to help my migraines. I quickly realized he wasn�t talking about the numbers game, Keno, but about the regimen that places one�s body in a state of ketosis. With my migraines, change was always slow but I was ready to roll the dice and give Keto a shot. Over the years, I�d tried other food-related migraine cure-alls. I had a go at the Drink Your Ten Times... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Lifelong Illness

I stumbled on this site and thought I'd post my life with this illness and see if anyone else has the same experience as I've had/have. I believe I've been suffering with my "dizzy spells" since birth. As long as I can remember at least, pre-school thru 58 years. My mother would mark on the calendar because I was so frequent. As I grew older it became farther apart to almost completely ending. But then in 2002 they began coming back to almost how it was when I was a child. I've never officially been told this is a migraine, but symptoms are so similar... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How often do you hear from family, friends or coworkers "but you look fine"?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Frequently

□ Occasionally

□ Rarely

□ Never

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Two figures with their backs to the viewer. One has it's hand on the others shoulder. The figure with its hand on the others back has a speech bubble for a head and the other figure has a thought bubble for a head. The Speech bubble has an arm embracing t

Validating Pain With Migraine

#purpleproject- I think we�ve all been at a point when we verbally express our pain, even if we don�t do it often, and have been met with an unkind remark. Some aren�t meant to be unkind, but unfortunately �you and me both sister� is not an accurate response to someone's pain. I get it. It�s easy to try to acknowledge something you may have some understanding or meaning to blow someone off that way, right?� Yes, that�s how it comes off to us. But �getting it� with chronic pain and getting chronic illness usually takes validation from other people sometimes, in some shape or form. Or we can tend to retreat. And validation can be extremely hard when the pain isn�t always as visible to the naked eye, hence the term often used... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
Take our survey: Migraine In America

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Bye Bye RELPAX

Sawyer Matheny- I was reading comments on my most recent post, enjoying being able to engage people about our shared migraine experiences when I came upon a comment in the sidebar. I was taken aback by the news that RELPAX had been recalled yesterday. But why?! This isn�t just peanut butter we�re talking here. This is my medication. This is my escape from a migraine-induced brain crash. My parachute from a migraine free-fall. More importantly, how come I hadn�t known about this sooner? The United States Food and Drug Administration had released an announcement regarding RELPAX... Read more

Is This What Wellness Feels Like?

Holly Baddour- Dear Loved One, I think I told you that I�ve been trying the new drugs made for migraine.�They�re called CGRPs. Researchers have basically discovered that people with migraine produce more of a certain type of protein than other people and these drugs block that protein. Three different drug companies came out all that once with these blockers (Aimovig, Emgality, and Ajovy) given by monthly injection. While they have the same aim, they don�t work for everyone in the same way. I�ve tried two of the three... Read more

Intractable Migraine: Is There Purpose in Your Pain?

Tom Picerno- It has been several weeks since the intractable migraine began its assault on my life. As if chronic migraine was not enough of a drain. Intractable migraine proved that I had more to give.� My head was undergoing a daily pounding, searing pain along with all the baggage that goes along with migraine. As bad as it was when I couldn�t do anything but cry myself to sleep, I always found the strength within me to make it another day. I would think to myself I�ve... Read more

Migraine-Related Fears Encapsulated

Kerrie Smyres- A friend once asked if I had migraine attacks in my dreams. I was surprised to realize the answer is no, though I do have frequent nightmares and vivid dreams during attacks. This continues to be true � I recently had the worst attack I�ve had in a while and the dream matched it. Please bear with me while I describe the dream. It�s a hotbed of migraine fears, so it�s worth sharing to highlight those concerns. I was hosting an Airbnb dinner party. I had maybe... Read more

Summer Chilling and Migraine

Alene Brennan- I love being outside during the summer months. There are so many activities to enjoy with family and friends. But I know that heat can easily trigger migraines for me, so I have to be careful not to get overheated. I�m excited that I discovered two cooling techniques to beat the heat this summer: Koltec cooling towel � ice towel for around my neck Arctic cooling vest � ice vest that keeps me cool to my �core� Does the heat bother you? What are the best ways you find... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Tales Of A Migraine

There is this lucidity one gets post migraine, as we watch it leave... The storm has not only stopped brewing, but you see the tornado departing, and the clouds clearing, to reveal this bright beautiful cerulean sky, in all its glory. And everything is clearer in a way where you realize beforehand you had been in a haze. The worst kind of haze, the kind that overtakes you slowly and convinces you that you're not in a haze after all, and what is normal after all? And you didn't realize you were seeing everything through the eye of a tornado before, until it has become so blissfully clear again... It's like a deserved beauty we get to experience after having fought with a beast. Too bad being at the precipice is... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How many different preventative medications have you tried?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ 0-2

□ 3-5

□ 6+

□ Unsure

□ I have never taken a preventative

View on the web here.

GCA: A Cause of Headaches That's Not Migraine

Lisa Robin Benson- I recently came across a cause of headache that sounded a bit like migraine in it's description, but with a completely different cause and treatment. For the sake of awareness, I wrote something about it here on Migraine.com. If you or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms like these, whether or not you have migraine, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Unlike a migraine, which is a neurological event, giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation of the blood vessels around the head, especially around the temples. This can cause a headache that is new and persistent and can occur in multiple parts of the head. There are other possible symptoms such as... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

3 Day Migraine: When the Rubber Meets the Road!

Shoshana Lipson- We all have our little secrets � things that we simply don�t want to talk about or don�t want others to know. Mine is dealing with the emotional impact of a long-term chronic illness and its friendly comorbid conditions! More specifically, anxiety and depression. It�s something I don�t like to talk to my doctors about because there is a tendency to blame everything on stress, and that is sadly especially true for women. I don�t like to talk to my friends about it because� well,... Read more

Once, I Left a Mop Bucket Running...

Kyky Knight- Many of us know migraine can be debilitating, and stressors such as work and school can trigger migraine symptoms. Conversely, migraine symptoms can also affect our ability to work. This relationship of negative influence can make it difficult to get through an average work or school day. What follows is a story of one very chaotic migraine experience I had while working, wherein I had a huge 'oops'... Read more

Bye Bye RELPAX

Sawyer Matheny- I was reading comments on my most recent post, enjoying being able to engage people about our shared migraine experiences when I came upon a comment in the sidebar. I was taken aback by the news that RELPAX had been recalled yesterday. But why?! This isn�t just peanut butter we�re talking here. This is my medication. This is my escape from a migraine-induced brain crash. My parachute from a migraine free-fall. More importantly, how come I hadn�t known about this sooner? The United States Food and Drug Administration had released an announcement regarding RELPAX... Read more

Parenting and Fatigue

Editorial Team- Being a parent is a tiring job, and often, life with a chronic illness comes with fatigue. Together they can be a recipe for complete exhaustion and feelings of defeat. Fatigue is an unrelenting feeling of tiredness or weariness that often does not improve with rest. Some describe fatigue as being �tired to the core� or �bone-tired�. Fatigue can be a symptom of a chronic illness, a complication of a condition, a medication or treatment side-effect, or due to constant stress. Fatigue on its own... Read more

Validating Pain With Migraine

#purpleproject- I think we�ve all been at a point when we verbally express our pain, even if we don�t do it often, and have been met with an unkind remark. Some aren�t meant to be unkind, but unfortunately �you and me both sister� is not an accurate response to someone's pain. I get it. It�s easy to try to acknowledge something you may have some understanding or meaning to blow someone off that way, right?� Yes, that�s how it comes off to us. But �getting it� with chronic... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Burden of Being a Burden

Right now, I don't even know what to say. I just know something needs to be said or I'm going to sink into that black hole referred to so lovingly as depression. I received a voicemail today stating that the job I started not a month ago has terminated my employment. I had hoped, considering my new boss "understood" what I meant when I said I have chronic migraine disease because "she had it too", that she would be a bit easier on my absences. I longed for that understanding and felt trust, for once, without having to work for it. Turns out me being up-front with her... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
We know the true impact & pain of migraine. Will you help others understand by taking our survey?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

8 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Migraine

Kerrie Smyres- Everyone, whether they have migraine or not, should know these eight things about migraine. If a person has a bad headache, they do not automatically have a migraine. Migraine is a neurological disorder that 12% of Americans have and research increasingly shows that it is genetic. When someone �has a migraine,� they are experiencing an attack of this neurological disorder. If someone does not have the underlying neurological disorder, it is impossible for them to have a migraine attack. Impaired vision, nausea and heightened sensory sensitivity (to light, sound, smells and touch) are the most well-known migraine symptoms. But, because migraine is a neurological disorder, its symptoms can be felt in any part of the body � it can increase the frequency of urination, change blood pressure or heart rhythms and cause... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine Patients May Be at Increased Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sarah Hackley- Headache is a common symptom of many autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whether that�s from the disease activity itself, the medications used to treat the disease, or a combination of both remains a topic for debate. However, head pain as a symptom of autoimmune activity is not the only link between the two. It turns out, there may be an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in those of us living with migraine. A population-based, propensity score-matched cohort study compared two groups of 58,749 subjects to... Read more

Finding Empathy At The Infusion Center

#purpleproject- Beautiful smiles wearing masks as they get their ports accessed and other lines like mine hooked up. I�m in the company of other people there daily, whom I don�t know, but start to become the normal faces you see when you�re sick. Some days I sit wondering what their story is. Not all hospitals have the best privacy practices in infusion rooms, massively in part due to the shortage of nurses, budgets, and the inability to have private infusion rooms. Despite the miles I�ve put on... Read more

Being Okay With the Small Miracles

The Migraine Girl- It�s an overcast spring day here in Athens, Georgia, and I just took an Imitrex for the first time in weeks. Though I feel I should be elated at this news (OMG! I have only needed to take a triptan once in the last 6 weeks instead of twice per week!), I feel frustrated and scared. This happened to me a few weeks ago when I had a moderate-level migraine-the first in weeks�and had to take an Imitrex to abort the episode. Since then, I�ve been... Read more

5 Tips From My 5-Year-Old About Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- My son is my guru. Over his little lifespan, my 5-year-old has taught me more about living with my migraines than any adult, self-help book, or fortune cookie. I�m thankful everyday for his nuggets of wisdom, because they come from a pure, unbiased place inside his heart.�Here are some of my kid�s best tips I�ve collected over the years. � My migraine was coming. Along with a boiling pain, it also carried with it the guilt that I wouldn�t be able to be a mother to my... Read more

Migraine-Friendly Road Trip Snacks

Alene Brennan- As a nutrition coach, I support individuals by using food as a form of medicine to manage their health conditions, from migraines and autoimmune disease. What I've seen across the board is it's easier to implement dietary changes when you're in control of their food at home. However, when you're traveling - especially when on vacation - it adds another layer of complexity that if you're not factoring in, you will be setting yourself up for disaster. Let's change that! Check out these healthy options you... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Great Big Tiny Victories

7am. Aura at retailer dismissed as fasting symptoms. 8am. Sugary breakfast (known trigger) 9am. Headache starts. 10.30am. Bedridden with debilitating migraine. Where's the victory? Well, between 10.30 am and 7pm, I managed to avoid the e.d. The pain, nausea, and vertigo along with a long list of neurological symptoms would have sent me to the emergency department in the past. This time though, I was able to suppress panic, follow my migraine action plan (m.a.p.), call a friend for yogurt delivery, and otherwise take care of myself. I live alone most of the time. The cognitive impairment that goes with Migraine makes self-administering therapies quite a challenge. Today, though... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Want to find out how you can get others to understand the true impact of migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, please!

□ No, thank you.

□ Hmmm, not sure.

View on the web here.

Corporate looking person with a brain for a head is giving a presentation behind a podium regarding migraines.

Stigma for an Invisible Disease

Tom Picerno- Let me start out by saying that stigma is horrible. Why should people who suffer from invisible diseases feel guilt or shame for having them? I�ve had migraine for years. It started out as episodic migraine where I would have two to four attacks per month. That doesn�t sound terrible, but when it removes you from being productive at work or worse removes you from work that�s where I noticed the stigma really starting. I knew I was having migraines. My doctor was having me track my attacks because she was pretty sure I was having migraines too. The problem was that I was in denial. I didn�t want... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Saved By The Bell: School and Migraine

Kyky Knight- Educators in K-12 already do so much for children beyond the classroom, from affirming kids� hopes and desires, to sometimes counseling and even providing basic necessities like breakfast and lunch, teachers, school nurses, counselors and bus drivers are caretakers for many, many children almost year-round. These heroes help to build and raise kids in ways that can�t be represented through test scores and standardized assessments, and they deserve always gratitude and thanks for all they do in my opinion. I find myself in awe of the... Read more

My Thoughts on the Word "Headache"!

Lisa Robin Benson- Migraine Awareness Month is celebrated in the United States every June while the United Kingdom recognizes Migraine Awareness Week in early September. I want to talk about the word "headache." I share my thoughts below, and I'd love to hear yours. Do you get annoyed when people call your migraine attacks a "headache"? Or is it your descriptor of choice? Do you not care what words are used, as long as people understand that migraine is a serious disease that needs to be treated, like any other... Read more

Are you a Migraine Victim, Warrior, or Survivor?

Holly Baddour- Let�s clarify some definitions* before we move forward. For the purposes of this article, we are using these terms in the following ways: Victim: when we focus on how migraine negatively impacts us. Synonyms are instructive: �sufferer, injured party, wounded person.� Warrior: when we focus on responding to the challenge of migraine. Digging deep to find answers, triggers, solutions. �A brave or experienced soldier or fighter.� Survivor: when we focus on how to live with migraine. Incorporating past and present lessons, looking at life with migraine from a... Read more

5 Tips From My 5-Year-Old About Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- My son is my guru. Over his little lifespan, my 5-year-old has taught me more about living with my migraines than any adult, self-help book, or fortune cookie. I�m thankful everyday for his nuggets of wisdom, because they come from a pure, unbiased place inside his heart.�Here are some of my kid�s best tips I�ve collected over the years. � My migraine was coming. Along with a boiling pain, it also carried with it the guilt that I wouldn�t be able to be a mother to my... Read more

Being Okay With the Small Miracles

The Migraine Girl- It�s an overcast spring day here in Athens, Georgia, and I just took an Imitrex for the first time in weeks. Though I feel I should be elated at this news (OMG! I have only needed to take a triptan once in the last 6 weeks instead of twice per week!), I feel frustrated and scared. This happened to me a few weeks ago when I had a moderate-level migraine-the first in weeks�and had to take an Imitrex to abort the episode. Since then, I�ve been... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Yesterday

I'm a lover of music that's what I find gets me by in my day to day life, but when my migraines are bad. Music is that last thing on my mind � well not literally, because at the back of my mind I'm usually singing a song, like right now as I think of a name for this Article "Yesterday" I start to sing: "Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday." As you understand, the point of the article is how although yesterday was not a good Migraine day for me, it was a good general day, as it was my... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Want others to know migraine is more than just a headache?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Absolutely

□ Not at this time

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Woman riding in a rollercoaster cart heading into a tunnel that's made from a brain with two CGRP injections crossing over the tunnel entrance.

CGRP Inhibitors and Realistic Expectations

Shoshana Lipson- I�ve never quite understood the fatal attraction of rollercoasters! As the mother of three boys, I spent the better part of two decades trying in any way that I could to avoid getting on one of those beautifully gut-wrenching, twisting, heart-stopping monsters! Somehow, it seems to me that trying to manage migraine isn�t so very different. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, some incredible views, but a lot of groaning and longing for the �monster� to end. Never was this more obvious than with the emergence of the new CGRP inhibitor medications in 2018... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Take the Chronic Pain In America Survey!

Editorial Team- We know the frustrations of chronic pain. Will you help others understand by taking our survey? Simply put, living with chronic pain is painful. But there is so much more behind the pain. We want to understand what it�s like for you. How does pain impact your daily life? Do you feel that your healthcare provider listens to your concerns? Have your relationships with friends or family changed because of pain? By taking our survey, you can... Read more

3 Of My Wackiest Migraine Triggers

Tonilyn Hornung- Over the years, I�ve become my own migraine detective. I do my best to follow the clues my body leaves in order to understand what works best to keep my migraines at bay. This is why I�m always on the lookout for migraine triggers. Migraine triggers are everyday things that can set off migraines, like lack of sleep or not eating regularly. Some of my main triggers happen to be my... Read more

Raising Awareness of Cluster Headache

Marcia Kavulich- In the last part of the interview with Bob Wold, we learn how his long road to a cluster headache diagnosis, and an even longer road to finally finding an effective treatment lead him down the path to forming Clusterbusters.org to raise more awareness for people living with cluster headache today. After I started treating myself and talking to other people online who found great success with... Read more

Recommendations for Going to a Ketamine Clinic

Kerrie Smyres- A friend who has chronic migraine was migraine-free for the first time in years the week she had ketamine infusions at an in-patient headache center. She describes that week as one of her happiest memories with her husband and daughter. But it�s only a memory for her, not an ongoing treatment because the clinic was three states away from her home and ketamine infusions weren�t available in her hometown. Since then, ketamine clinics have... Read more

Parenting While Managing a Chronic Illness

Editorial Team- Whether or not you have a child, most individuals would agree that parenting is hard. Although there is no right or wrong way to raise a child, new trends, latest research, and frequent comparisons to others can make a parent question how �good� of a job they�re doing. The stresses and demands of parenthood can be a lot for anyone to handle, especially those with a chronic illness such as migraine. Migraine can bring along... Read more

Navigating Let-Down Migraine

Holly Baddour- When flying on a plane, have you ever come in for a rough landing? Like hard enough that the plane bounced on the runway? Perhaps even bad enough that the safety materials dislodged from the ceiling? I have, and it�s not a fun way to land. That image comes to my mind every time I get a let-down migraine. It�s the same... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Migraines and Depression

Sigh. (deep breathe. exhale) I have been communicating with my neurologist for several months that my migraines have been changing as I've gotten older. One major change is at the peak of a migraine attack I develop severe depression, and over time it has gotten intense. I reached out to my regular doctor and my OB/GYN as well in regards to the same issue. Anyone that has ever dealt with the wheels of progress changing knows it's a painstakingly slow process. Long story short at the height of 4am migraine I lost my... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you tried a CGRP (Aimovig, Ajovy or Emgality) treatment for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ I do not recall

□ What\'s a CGRP?

View on the web here.

Woman holding tightly onto a syringe looking up wards and to the left.

CGRP Inhibitors and Holding on to Hope

Shoshana Lipson- The balance of realistic expectations versus hope is a challenge that doggedly trails so many of us who live with migraine. Hopefully, you�ve had a chance to read my last article, �CGRP Inhibitors and Realistic Expectations.� As with any other chronic disease, having realistic expectations for living with migraine is SO important. However, the question I hear so often, and which I also keep asking, is this: How can I possibly keep hope alive in the face of an unpredictable disease, failed medications, stigma, and what often seems like insurmountable challenges dealing with insurance? How can we hold on to hope while bearing in mind realistic expectations? Is this even possible? It seems a strange thing to say, but now more than ever this is an exciting time if you... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

What It's Like to Live with Hemiplegic Migraine

#purpleproject- Lately, the first obvious sign of a cluster of migraines coming is being very confused a lot of the time, feeling like I am in a maze of distorted mirrors at the fair. But unlike the fair, there aren't sweet treats, fun rides, or livestock to pet. I catch my aphasia. But it�s usually far too late and people have started to notice. I notice it just as much when I�m talking to my partner as he does. We�ve been together for about a year, so... Read more

Dear Migraine, ________ (fill in the blank)

Editorial Team- We asked our Facebook community and you sure answered! "Calling all migraine warriors! What's the one thing you would say to migraine?" Dear Migraine, _____ "You took smile, my freedom, my family, and my joy." "I want my life back." "That�s a loaded question LOL I don�t want to get banned from Facebook LOL" "Thanks a lot for nothing." "Enough already!! Do I have to move to a deep dark cave to escape you and all my triggers?" "You were not invited. You were never invited.... Read more

About to Try Emgality

Lisa Robin Benson- Recently I was prescribed Emgality by my headache specialist. I share my experiences below in the video about getting the prescription: how it all came about and my feelings, including hope and some nervousness. Emgality is the third of the new migraine drugs to come out in its class. It's a CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor) antagonist. It is administered as a once a month injection. Below the video, I'll share some more resources on the medication. I�ll definitely keep in touch on how it goes... Read more

Men and Migraine

Tom Picerno- Migraine is a neurological disorder in the brain. It affects almost two to three times more women than men. I've found that the majority of information out there, from articles to research studies, tend to focus more on women than men. I get that men are a minority among the hundreds of thousands that suffer from migraine and I�m fine with that. I believe talking about migraine and trying to get additional funding for research into migraine needs to be done, and I don�t mind... Read more

Sponsored: Living with Migraine�How to Stay in Your GO Zone

Supernus Pharmaceuticals- Sharing the experience of living with migraine is important to Jamie, Betsy, Laurie, Lisa, and Angie. Meet them here and learn what the GO Zone means to them. Real patients. Individual results may vary. They each take Trokendi XR� to stay in the Go Zone. Ask your healthcare provider about Trokendi XR, a once-a-day treatment for the prevention of migraine. Learn more about Trokendi XR, and see and read more stories about living with migraine... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Headless Horsewoman

I am obsessed with Halloween. Every year, I elaborately decorate my cubicle at work - it's been a graveyard, where I cut through astroturf so it looked like I was rising from the dead to work; a mad science laboratory, complete with brains made of jello; the Overlook Hotel in the Shining (I actually found a Jack Nicholson wig to wear); and this year, it will be the haunted abode of a fortune teller. I love Halloween and all the creepiness that goes with it. So, today when I told my coworker that my migraine makes me want to take my head off and throw it at someone started me thinking - what if ghouls suffer from migraines? Maybe the headless horseman started out with a head, but due to the... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
We want to hear from you! Have you taken the Chronic Pain In America 2019 survey?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ Not yet!

View on the web here.

Woman patient standing firm and respectfully speaking to a doctor in their office

Respect and Power at the Doc�s Office

Kyky Knight- Feeling powerless at the doctor�s office is something many in the community can relate to. From being misunderstood, to being outright disrespected, self-advocacy when it comes to wellness can be draining and scary. That feeling can be compounded with uncertainty when uneven power dynamics are at play. I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me along the way, in times that I felt my appointments were not serving me well. Have you ever had the experience of saying something to someone, only to feel like it went straight past them? This is especially frustrating when this happens with a healthcare professional. I can�t tell you how many times I have shared details about dealing with migraine with my doctor, only to have them gloss right over it. In... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
Tackling the Treatments, A Special Section

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

The Cost of Wellness - Affording the CGRPs

Holly Baddour- Those who are experiencing wellness for the first time in years due to the new CGRP medications may be feeling as if they are living on borrowed time. This due to the fact that several of the drug companies responsible for these treatments have provided introductory offers to encourage patients to give their medications a spin. Emgality, Aimovig and Ajovy each offer some version of a 12-months free coupon. The question is, what happens after these offers expire and the medications become financially impractical for... Read more

Seeing Migraine in Media

Sawyer Matheny- I�m usually the kind of person to avoid traditional television entirely...I have never casually encountered a migraine advert in mainstream media. Yes, I have deliberately looked up information online when on the search for important information regarding my migraine struggle, however, I never stumbled on something like this in passing. Read more

I'm a Stay-At-Home-Mom with Migraines: Here's My Plan

Tonilyn Hornung- I�m a Virgo. This makes me a sensational planner with a fabulous attention to detail and an amazing knack for being right. Virgos are also modest. I�m not sure my Zodiac sign explains all my personality traits, but the stars were aligned when it came to the planning part. I tried to have plan in place so I could know what it might be like to have a baby while having migraines. Too bad Virgo�s don't have the ability to predict the future. When my husband... Read more

My Plan to Being a Migraine Free Bride

Alene Brennan- I�m getting married this January. My fianc� and I will each be 40 years old and our relationship started in college. So, needless to say, this moment has been a long time coming. We went our separate ways for years after college, but reconnected last year and quickly realized what we felt before was real, the timing just wasn�t right� and now the timing is perfectly right. We could not be more excited as we select our venue, book our honeymoon and plan for our... Read more

What It's Like to Live with Hemiplegic Migraine

#purpleproject- Lately, the first obvious sign of a cluster of migraines coming is being very confused a lot of the time, feeling like I am in a maze of distorted mirrors at the fair. But unlike the fair, there aren't sweet treats, fun rides, or livestock to pet. I catch my aphasia. But it�s usually far too late and people have started to notice. I notice it just as much when I�m talking to my partner as he does. We�ve been together for about a year, so... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Tina's Story: How Migraine Has Changed My Life

I have been suffering from migraines since July of 2017. When they started they just kept getting worse along with Vertigo. My MRI showed the smaller vessels of my brain are diseased so I been seeing a neurologist since. We have tried medications now we are trying the b2 vitamin and oxygen therapy when when hits. I have a very hard time cognitively and physically functioning. I try my hardest to deal with this problem but it is hard. I have migraines start up daily and once I put the oxygen on it does help but this is t how I want to live my life. I can�t go very many places because I am always am in a dark room. Once I get a bad attack that is pretty much... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Has the cost of CGRP treatment stopped you from trying these new medications?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, my insurance won't cover CGRP drugs.

□ Yes, the assistance program stopped and I can no longer afford CGRPs.

□ No, my insurance has covered CGRP drugs.

□ No, I have been able to use the assistance programs for CGRPs.

□ I have not heard of CGRPs.

View on the web here.

A planned opened on the table with a cup of coffee above it. In the planner there is a strategic plan laid out on how to stay feeling better

What "Feeling Better" Means to Me

Jaime Sanders- There used to be a time in my life when I thought I would get better. When I would wake up feeling refreshed and not fear that pain, discomfort and fatigue would steal away from my day. Growing up, doctors gave me a false sense of hope telling me that I would outgrow migraine. I truly believed that my adult years would be pain-free. However, everything turned out to be quite different for me. Between the ages of 9 and 25 years old, I had episodic migraine. It quickly manifested into chronic migraine by the age of twenty-seven. The idea of "feeling better" was non-existent by then. Every day involved a significant degree of pain, disability, and frustration. There was hardly any level of feeling good, even on the "good" days.... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Tinnitus: Please Stop the Ringing

Tom Picerno- I�ve always experienced a ringing in my ears since a young age. It would come and go, but only as I got older did I notice the ringing was present during migraine attacks. It took me a while to put two and two together and figure that out. I use an app to track my migraines and that�s how I�ve been able to pick up triggers and the symptoms associated with migraine. Tinnitus is common in many types of headache disorders including migraine. I have... Read more

Migraine & Quality of Life Traffic Light System

Kerrie Smyres- My headache specialist introduced me to this color-coded system for rating migraine's impact on day-to-day life, the simplicity and usefulness of which are no less than brilliant: Think about how much migraine affects your life each day in terms of a traffic light. Days in which you're functioning with no impairment are green, those where you're not as active as when you're migraine-free but are still productive are yellow, and red days are the ones you spend wiped out by a migraine attack. You can... Read more

3 Reasons Migraines Aren't The Boss Of Me

Tonilyn Hornung- �You�re not the boss of me,� I told my migraines when they first started. Then I realized they kinda were. My migraines began in my early thirties, and I�d hoped I could stave off them off the way I�d done with a bad headache: a little extra caffeine, more rest, and two advil�not so much. This did nothing to tame the monster that was my migraine. I began to sink into a world of frustration because it seemed my migraines were definitely the boss of me. While... Read more

When Life is a Trigger

Lisa Robin Benson- Do you ever hit an unavoidable life situation that triggers an attack (or string of attacks)? It's Lisa here from migraine.com and I want to talk about a recent life situation that has triggered some attacks for me recently, and how I deal with the emotional fallout. Topics discussed in this video can be considered about further in these articles and videos: Becoming a New Parent with Migraine: What to Know and How to Cope Tools for Dealing with Light Sensitivity How Do You Cope with Migraine Setbacks in... Read more

The Cost of Wellness - Affording the CGRPs

Holly Baddour- Those who are experiencing wellness for the first time in years due to the new CGRP medications may be feeling as if they are living on borrowed time. This due to the fact that several of the drug companies responsible for these treatments have provided introductory offers to encourage patients to give their medications a spin. Emgality, Aimovig and Ajovy each offer some version of a 12-months free coupon. The question is, what happens after these offers expire and the medications become financially impractical for... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Operator Error: Must Reboot Now. Powering Down.

Yesterday was a day of 90% negative stress (civic business red tape, computer problems, pharmacy troubles, missed meals, bright sun, fumes, heat and cold, and way too much driving) with 10% positive encounters (a helpful psychologist, a sympathetic technician, snuggly pets, and a loving family). I was overwhelmed and exhausted by evening, yet I made it through without getting a migraine. Migraine Buddy app even chimed to let me know I'd been migraine-free for 7 days! I woke up feeling good. Decided to tackle some fall yard clean up. And..... Cue migraine. I know exercise can be a migraine trigger for me. I knew I was lucky to have avoided a migraine yesterday. I should have just spent the day relaxing. But... I love gardening. By the time the first tingle of a headache arrived,... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Has the cost of CGRP treatment stopped you from trying these new medications?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, my insurance won't cover CGRP drugs.

□ Yes, the assistance program stopped and I can no longer afford CGRPs.

□ No, my insurance has covered CGRP drugs.

□ No, I have been able to use the assistance programs for CGRPs.

□ I have not heard of CGRPs.

View on the web here.

Two needles with boxing gloves on the plunger end.

Botox and Ajovy; A One-Two Punch

Tom Picerno- I received my first Botox injections in June of 2018 after jumping through all kinds of hoops to get it approved. I had no expectations for the first round of shots partly because it has been a challenge to treat my chronic, intractable migraine. I was optimistic and as ever hopeful. In December of 2018, I received my first dose of the CGRP drug Ajovy. I was more excited about Ajovy than Botox, and I prayed I would not be in the twenty percent group of people that the drug did not work effectively. I was happy to find out that with a copay card the Ajovy shots would be free to fill! To break down my experience with Botox and Ajovy I�m going to start with Botox since that was... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Why Reyvow Is a Big WOW for the Migraine Community!

Shoshana Lipson- There is a new reason for hope! This October we saw the exciting FDA approval of a new class of migraine abortives, REYVOW, previously known as lasmiditan. The results from clinical trials show that Reyvow is able to stop some migraine attacks within two hours with only mild to moderate side effects. They also show that it may be safe for people who previously have not had access to tolerable abortive medications. This is huge news for the nearly 40 million people in the USA who... Read more

Is Cleaning a Migraine Trigger for You Too?

Alene Brennan- I used to think that I was �allergic� to cleaning. It always triggered a migraine for me. But that�s kind of too good to be true to be allergic to cleaning, don�t you think? As it turns out, it�s partially true. I wasn�t allergic to the act of cleaning, but I was having a reaction to the cleaning products. And it turns out I�m not alone. I�ve talked to many other migraine sufferers who have the same experience. So, I�ve swapped out my cleaning products for... Read more

Did I Cause This? Parenting Children with Migraine

Sarah Hackley- The other day, I watched helplessly as my son writhed on the couch in pain. His hands clutched his small head in a pose I am all too familiar with. His cries hurt my heart. That morning, I had woken at 6 o'clock to the sounds of him crying and yelling for me. When I entered his room, he was curled up on his side in bed � his hands pressed tightly against his ears��whimpering. He looked at me with tears on his cheeks and said,... Read more

FDA Approves New Migraine Treatment Lasmiditan (Reyvow)

Editorial Team- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new oral medication for acute treatment of migraine disease this week. In clinical trials, lasmiditan (brand name Reyvow™) was able to resolve the �worst� symptoms of migraine within two hours after taking the drug. These symptoms included pain, nausea, light sensitivity and sound sensitivity. This approval is important as this is the first new class of acute migraine treatment approved by the FDA in more than two decades. A total of 3,177 adults participated in two... Read more

Heartbreak and Migraine

Kyky Knight- Living with chronic pain can be like living with a huge brick wall on your back. It is heavy, hard, and makes getting through each day a monumental task. I used to think that living with pain all of my life meant I was well equipped to handle a lot of adversity, after all, I am used to dealing with emotional, physical, and psychological pain due to this disease. Strong are those who undergo outstanding trials I thought...that is, until I experienced the kind of... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Operator Error: Must Reboot Now. Powering Down.

Yesterday was a day of 90% negative stress (civic business red tape, computer problems, pharmacy troubles, missed meals, bright sun, fumes, heat and cold, and way too much driving) with 10% positive encounters (a helpful psychologist, a sympathetic technician, snuggly pets, and a loving family). I was overwhelmed and exhausted by evening, yet I made it through without getting a migraine. Migraine Buddy app even chimed to let me know I'd been migraine-free for 7 days! I woke up feeling good. Decided to tackle some fall yard clean up. And..... Cue migraine. I know exercise can be a migraine trigger for me. I knew I was lucky to have avoided a migraine yesterday. I should have just spent the day relaxing. But... I love gardening. By the time the first tingle of a headache arrived,... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How comfortable are you in explaining CGRPs as a form of treatment?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Never heard of them

□ Just now looking into it

□ I've read articles on them

□ My doctor mentioned them to me

□ Know it like the back of my hand!

View on the web here.

Woman looking upwards at 5 question marks while leaning on her elbows in a pondering posture

Five Things About Migraine I Don�t Understand

Lisa Robin Benson- Migraine is a weird, often confusing disease. Even though I've lived with it since childhood and been an advocate here on Migraine.com since 2014, there are still things about both migraine and how migraine is treated that don't make any sense to me. Such as... Take coffee: for some of us, the sweet caffeinated elixir is a godsend, for others, it�s a thick black poison that will bring on the head throbs. For a lot of us, it can be either�or both�depending on the day. The article, Caffeine: Trigger or Treatment?, goes into this conundrum in more detail. Another example is sleeping. A nap can stop an attack in its tracks or you can wake up from a peaceful slumber in pain. There's probably an explanation, but it eludes me. I�ve had... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Willing CGRP Guinea Pigs

Holly Baddour- One of our community members recently posted the following comment regarding taking one of the new CGRP treatments: �You, others and I who are risking taking these injections are going to help so many other people if all is favorable�I do not care about the side-effects or possible long term consequences (if there are any). I have taken the injections for 9 months and feel fine. There are a few side-effects but nothing like being disabled with crippling migraine.� This begs the question: If you are... Read more

Pediatric Migraine Registry Program

Jaime Sanders- What is pediatric migraine and how many children does it affect? Migraine is common among children, however, it often goes undiagnosed or untreated. About 60% of adolescents complain of headache at some point in their lives, with 8% of children being diagnosed with having migraine. Prior to puberty, the proportion of migraine among boys and girls are about the same. After puberty, in teenage years, migraine is seen to be more prevalent in girls than boys. In younger children, many of the symptoms are often GI... Read more

Should You Be Honest with Your Employer about Migraines?

Diana-Lee- The decision of whether to disclose your migraine diagnosis to a prospective or current employer comes down to weighing the pros and cons of each option. There are lots of good reasons to share this personal information, but there are also many reasons not to. There is a lot at stake in making this choice. It's a very personal decision. The pros of disclosing migraines at work Disclosing would explain why you're missing work and your limitations on the job. Your employer won't be caught off guard if... Read more

The Difficulty of Conversing During a Migraine Attack

The Migraine Girl- Though personality assessments have me riding the line between introvert and extrovert, most people who know me will tell you that, without a doubt, I am a poster child for extroversion. I am calmer than I used to be, less likely to draw attention to myself and less likely to be the entertainer at get-togethers, but I do love people and draw energy from talking to others. (The introversion does come along frequently, though, as I also need lots of time at home with my... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Has This Happened to You?

I started having Migraine with Aura when I was 23, I am now 40. I would get the zig-zag vision changes then once it subsided I'd get a headache on one side of my head. Over the years I've noticed that I get numbness and tingling or one side of my body just feels odd but does not always get the head pain. I also get brief zaps of head pain. I guess ice pick headache. A week ago I had an episode after I drank an ice-cold slushy. I experienced a sharp head pain in the right temple and numbness in the right cheek, then right arm, right the leg. Symptoms lasted less than a min. ... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How comfortable are you in explaining CGRPs as a form of treatment?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Never heard of them

□ Just now looking into it

□ I've read articles on them

□ My doctor mentioned them to me

□ Know it like the back of my hand!

View on the web here.

Anxious man climbing on hanging rings that change from red to blue symbolizing a change.

Postdrome: Is it Really the End?

Tom Picerno- Postdrome is the last phase of a migraine attack that can last for hours or even days.�It is also referred to as the migraine hangover.�During the postdrome phase, people experience fatigue, inability to concentrate, inability to comprehend things, mood swings, and a general feeling of malaise. I suffer from chronic, intractable migraine so for me the postdrome is almost never the end. It serves as a pit stop on the way to my next inevitable attack cycle. I liken it to Tarzan swinging from one vine, or migraine phase, to the next in a seemingly endless cycle of pain and whatever else migraine wants to throw at me. You see for me postdrome is not the ending, but I�m thankful that for many migraineurs it is just that. The sky starts... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Returning to the Working World

Elizabeth Roberts-Zibbel- For a couple of years now, I have been employed, but working from home: writing about migraine, and coordinating advertising for a local online news journal, both of which I can literally do from my sickbed. Recently while working on the news site, I saw that our county library had sent me a 'help wanted' ad. As I was uploading it, I saw that the job they were hiring for was library page, which is not a term I was familiar with. The description said... Read more

The Art of Not Pushing: Slow and Steady

Tonilyn Hornung- As an adult, I figured I was done with juvenile warnings like �Don�t stay up too late!� or �Don�t drink alcohol!� or �Don�t sit too close to the TV!� But when my migraines started, my body took over these parental warnings. Since I wanted to avoid the searing-hot waffle iron that adheres itself to my head, I listened. Occasionally, though, I�d see friends enjoying their wine too close to the TV and feel left out. That�s when I would push myself. When my migraines became a... Read more

Who Am I Beyond Migraine?

Kyky Knight- Some huge changes in my life have prompted me to get a bit existential, and I have been pondering questions like: what is fear?, and who am I? I mean, besides someone who lives in chronic pain and who feels hurts a lot of the time...who am I? Sometimes living with chronic pain can be so consuming that we can lose sight of ourselves beyond the pain, stigma, and adversity. I�ve spent some time thinking about what defines me, my character, and who I am... Read more

Migraine is More Than Head Pain: The Many Symptoms of Migraine

Kerrie Smyres- Those who have never had a migraine tend to think of it as a raging headache. While sympathetic folks may understand that the pain is awful, even they don't realize that a migraine is not only a headache. While it is certainly a major aspect, pain is one of many symptoms of migraine. The pain is a big deal, but it is only a small part of this neurological disorder that impacts the entire body. Migraine: The Complete Guide, a book published by the American... Read more

The Battle of the Odors

The Migraine Girl- My cats bring me such happiness and comfort. Those of you with animals likely know how wonderful it feels to have a little being in your house who loves you unconditionally and often cuddles with you when you aren�t feeling very well. My two cats, Satchel (a handsome gray tabby) and Cubbie (a solid black dynamo), make me laugh all the time. And having to care for them can keep me in a routine myself. It�s hard to sleep more than I ought to when... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Work Stress?

I've had migraines since I was 40, but not officially diagnosed by a neurologist until I was 45. I've been to 3 different neurologists. None have been able to help me. My current neurologist says that the new drugs won't help me because I didn't respond to botox after 1 year of injections every 12 weeks. She said I need to eliminate work stress and suggested cutting back on my work responsibilities or retiring. I'm 61 and could retire in a year except for the unknown medical costs. But my biggest question....will be retiring from my job significantly decrease my migraine frequency (9-12 per month on average) ??? What if I retire and still get frequent migraines? I fear I will be more isolated than I am now. Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
What do you call your Migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ An illness

□ A disease

□ A condition

□ A disorder

□ Chronic illness

□ Chronic condition

View on the web here.

Person jumping for job and clicking their heels together and they go off into the distance

New Treatment Experiences Part One: The Success Stories

Editorial Team- The new CGRP treatments are certainly a hot topic right now. On Migraine.com's Facebook page, we reposted Holly Baddour�s piece, �CGRPs and Migraine: Navigating Wellness for the First Time in Years.� Her article sparked so many reactions. In a separate Facebook post, we also asked the Migraine.com community if you had talked to your doctor about trying new migraine treatments. Some of you spoke out about how these new medicines are changing your life. Others of you agreed with Holly's concerns about cost and insurance. Unfortunately, some have not found any relief from the new treatments. In this three-part series, we will be sharing comments from these community posts that included success stories, scenarios where trying new treatments led to no happy ending, and cost and insurance concerns... Read more

Tackling the Treatments

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Oops! Concussions and Migraine

#purpleproject- I�ve had some awful luck lately. By luck, I mean I would pretty much swap �luck� for �lack of coordination�. It began with clumsiness; me dropping things, partly because I�m a person who obsessively unloads bags from the car and WILL make it in one or two trips. So, there is my disclaimer - I�m a mess without migraine! Recently, I was outside gardening (which I�ve actively talked about in my writings as a form of self-care) and met the corner of the AC unit which is... Read more

Does Being Hangry Give You a Migraine Too?

Alene Brennan- I don�t know about you, but if I go too long without a meal or snack, I get hangry� and a prime target for the next migraine attack. I learned this early on and began my search for healthy, trigger-free snacks. I quickly discovered that most protein/snack bars contained chocolate and/or nuts � both of which are triggers for me. So, I had to get creative. Hummus and carrots worked. Guacamole and celery were good options too. But I needed something I could toss in... Read more

How I Avoid My Top 5 Migraine Triggers

Lisa Robin Benson- We hear a lot about migraine triggers, and one of the first tasks a doctor will often give a patient is to keep a headache diary to identify them. I've had migraines since I was a kid and I always knew there were certain things that would lead to my�"headaches." Once diagnosed, I tried an elimination diet, kept a migraine diary, and educated myself on common triggers and solutions. Below, I share my top 5 triggers and strategies for avoiding them while still being able... Read more

Drop Your Weapons at the Door: A Call for Compassion at Migraine.com

Holly Baddour- I recently posted an article about how walking is therapeutic for me in dealing with my migraine disease. One of our community members responded: �A WALK? I cannot relate. My Migraine is so overwhelming, I am on the floor screaming in pain.�� In response to her comment, another community member said: �How can you SCREAM when you have a migraine??� That exchange and others like it � seem to demonstrate an unfortunate and unnecessary defensiveness and need for one upping one another and/or questioning the nature... Read more

Tapering from Butalbital and Klonopin

Janet- I was told by my new neurologist that the butalbital is causing MOH..which I understand..he said to stop it...I asked how? He said just do it! I'm too afraid...I have begun tapering from 4 a day to 3 a day but everything I read says do this under medical supervision...I was on aimovig from July 2018-February 2019 they stopped because I started to feel super sick...we were in the process of moving and no headache specialist (ones that previously were my docs....Abraham Nagy was one)... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Beginning of Aura

I'm 44 now but it started when I was 12. I was into freestyle bmx, skateboards doing tricks jumping that kinda stuff. Loved to jump and get as much air as possible. One day visiting family my cousin pulls out a pogoball. I jump and took this is cool. I'm jumping off the wall, up and down off the sidewalk. Next thing I know I'm heading to the street headfirst. I clipped the curb with the bottom of the pogoball and it slips from under me and throws me off balance. I fall forehead first landing on top left of my head at the hairline. Cousins freak out. I get up right away. It kinda hurt... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How well do you feel that possible side effects of your medication were explained to you?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Very well, with plenty of detail

□ Somewhat well, I still have questions

□ Somewhat poorly, it was mentioned

□ Very poorly, it was never explained

□ I did not experience any side effects

View on the web here.

Woman sitting on knees looking at a shadow on the ground with her hand resting on an exaggeratedly large brain.

Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop: Migraine and Comorbid Conditions

Shoshana Lipson- Do any of you feel as though you are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Do you live not only with migraine but also with multiple other health challenges? Does it sometimes feel as though your body is constantly betraying you and facing the future is scary? If so, you are not alone! Migraine is a challenging and complex neurological condition by itself, but sadly it also frequently brings with it a wide range of comorbid conditions which add to that challenge and complexity. So, what is meant by comorbidity? This term is used when two illnesses occur at a greater than coincidental rate than is seen in the general population. The indication is that at some level, somehow, the two conditions are actually related. Sometimes one condition can... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine and Body Temperature Regulation

Tom Picerno- I�ve always had an odd symptom occurring with my migraine attacks relating to my body temperature. There are times when I would feel hot. This wasn�t like a fever but more like an extended hot flash. Other times I would feel cold and seemed to have a hard time getting my body to feel warm enough. It started me wondering if in fact, this was just another one of those weird migraine symptoms. My curiosity soon led me to the internet of course. After reading through... Read more

Keeping Hope Alive in a Chronic Migraine World

Jaime Sanders- Holding on to hope is a challenge when living with chronic migraine. No matter how often I have an attack, I can never get used to the severity of head pain, intense nausea, and pain caused by lights, sounds, and odors. It is always like the first time every time. Having this experience over and over again multiple times per month is draining. Not just physically but emotionally. I want to remain hopeful but it's difficult keeping it alive when it takes so many hits... Read more

Balancing Sugar and Migraine?

Sawyer Matheny- I have always loved anything sweet. When I was a kid, I would go on these sort of candy safaris, looking for any scrap of sugary goodness I could find throughout my house. If there weren�t a conventional, wrapped candy bar somewhere, I would resort to getting into my mom�s baking supplies and eat the powdered sugar! As I grew older, the quest for sugar became less and less realistic. What began as Sawyer and the Temple of Sweeties evolved into Sawyer's Tummy Ache Time.... Read more

30 Dirty Little Secrets About My Life with Migraine

Tammy Rome- I�ve done the "30 Things"�meme several years in a row, so this year I�m changing things up. I won�t be following the traditional question format. Instead, I�d like to air a little �dirty migraine laundry." I realize that by opening up, I'm putting a target on my back, inviting criticism of my personal weaknesses. I am choosing�to do this so that each of you will take it easy on yourselves when you fail to do it all just right.�None of us are perfect... Read more

What's Your Secret: Surviving the Grocery Store with Migraine

Lisa Robin Benson- The florescent lights alone can be enough to trigger or exacerbate a migraine for many of us at the grocery store, let alone smells and sounds. But we need food to live, right? Though triggers can be hard to avoid, in this What�s Your Secret video, we share six tips from one of our�contributors that helps her survive the grocery store with a migraine (or without triggering one)... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Cascading Migraines

First migraine 3+ yrs ago. Then one every other month. Then every month. Now averaging one every three days. I do get whole weeks migraine-free (increasingly rare). And I've grown glad to have migraines level 5-7 without vomiting. But this ever-increasing frequency of migraines is wearing away at my soul. Much sympathy for those with intractable migraine... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How has being in an online health community helped your life with migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ It has helped me alot

□ It has helped somewhat (I plan to be more active)

□ It has not helped (I want more support)

□ I am not sure (I am looking for information)

□ Rather not say (Ask me again in a few months)

View on the web here.

Woman with a crossed circle icon in a speech bubble and shown tossing a syringe

New Treatment Experiences Part Two: No Happy Ending Yet

Editorial Team- Migraine treatments are getting a lot of attention lately. With new options on the market, people in the migraine community have expressed feelings of hope and hesititation. On Migraine.com's Facebook page, we reposted Holly Baddour�s piece, �CGRPs and Migraine: Navigating Wellness for the First Time in Years.� Her article sparked so many reactions. In a separate Facebook post, we also asked the Migraine.com community if you had talked to your doctor about trying new migraine treatments. In part 1 of this 3 part series, we shared comments from migraine community members who spoke out about how these new treatment options have been life-changing. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all when it comes to migraine treatment and some of you have not found relief from trying these new treatments. Here... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Oral CGRP Shows Promising Results

Editorial Team- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder, and in the U.S., migraine affects 39 million people, including children. Effective treatments are important to restore quality of life, address pain and discomfort, and relieve symptoms that go beyond a headache. For decades, there have been few treatment advances for migraine, but that changed dramatically in 2018 with the introduction of a new class of drugs targeting the CGRP receptor. To date, the FDA has approved these drugs for the prevention of migraine. A new study evaluates another... Read more

The Neverending Question of Pacing

Holly Baddour- Why can�t I learn this lesson? So many unexpected lessons have come from a life with migraine. This disease has taught me to rethink who I am. It has shaken me free from the way I once defined myself. Formerly, I primarily saw myself through the lens of my profession. Now disabled from my career, I assess myself more by how I live, rather than what I do. I also live now with gratitude at the forefront of my mind, rather than as an afterthought.... Read more

Completely Unofficial Made-Up Migraine Types: Case of the Missing Migraine

The Migraine Girl- I use an iPhone app daily to keep track of my migraine-related health. It used to be called �Curelator,� but it was renamed �N1-Headache� not too long ago. Every evening as I lie in bed, I use the app to answer a series of questions about my day�whether or not I had a migraine attack that day. One of the very last questions on the daily survey asks me to rate my migraine expectation for the following day: low, moderate, or high. These days my migraine health... Read more

No Longer Fearing the Unknown: How I Prepare for New Environments

The Migraine Girl- Another day, another flight. I�ve been traveling a lot lately (and find that solo time on an airplane is when I�m inspired to write articles�one of the many benefits of escaping my normal routine!). This morning I woke up at 3 AM (groan) in order to make it to my 6:45 AM flight�I live about 90 minutes from the closest major airport. While standing in the security line, I realized something about flying first thing in the morning: most people are freshly showered. Sounds like a... Read more

3 Crazy Cravings That Help Me Get Through My Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- The last migraine I had I named Shirley. Shirley sent me straight to bed after supper. The nausea I was experiencing with Shirley was topping my migraine charts - unlike Laverne who had visited me a couple of weeks prior. She�d been a lot more tame. Every migraine I have has a distinctive personality. They�re so individual in their pain that I want them to have their own name, social security number, and Netflix account. However, there�s one way in which my migraine personalities do stay... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
What Does It Mean To Be Pain Free?

Having lived with awful head pain from the time I was still in daycare, I have grown accustomed to living in a less than �feel good� state. I �even sometimes question whether or not I really know what it's like to be pain-free. Has my pain tolerance grown so much that I think the numbness and tingling pain, or the exhaustion and grogginess in the aftermath of days-long migraine attacks is �good� feeling? Certainly, for me it is, compared to the full-on, intense migraine pain that I feel often...but what about on its own?� I mean, when waking up on most days with throbbing pain, being in the autopilot zombie mode that says to just take medication and push through to the next step, what is a pain-less day... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you ever been diagnosed with ADHD?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, (ADHD)

□ Yes, (Anxiety with ADHD)

□ No, (but my teen has ADHD)

□ No, (I have not been diagnosed)

View on the web here.

Migraineur day dreaming about her fantasy world/life.

Aimovig: Is It My Happy Ending For Migraines?

Tonilyn Hornung- When my migraines first began, I was sure my fairy tale ending was just around the corner. I held fast to the idea that a new treatment would be the one that worked. When diet changes, yoga, natural hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture, praying to math unicorns, and a slew of other ministrations didn�t do the trick, I sought professional medical help. Each new medication my doctor suggested carried with it the potential of a new life and the promise of my legendary happy ending. This pill or that procedure would take me down a yellow brick road of salvation where my head would stop deep-frying itself, and I could finally live my fullest life with my family... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Taking Off the Mask: The Real Face of Migraine

Shoshana Lipson- Honestly, I wear a mask for much of the time. I�ve become much better at taking it off, but still it�s frequently there. Like an essential accessory to my wardrobe that I put on before emerging into the real world. Sometimes even before poking my head out the bedroom door! The mask tells others in society that I�m ok, even when I�m really not. It tells my family not to worry because today�s a good day, even when I could use their help. And it tells me that I am not in pain, and can handle anything that comes my way, even when that is patently not the truth! As my nails popped off that day, with nothing I could do about it, I realized that hiding behind a mask of being �ok� was just like that. I�m still me underneath. I can cover up, often extremely well, but the reality of living with migraine disease has not changed at all. It�s still lurking, like a monster, beneath the mask... Read more

Living the Chronic Life

Tom Picerno- Living life should be pretty easy right? I�m sure for many people it is and I don�t begrudge anyone who is living a normal life. I, however, am not one of those people. I am living a chronic life. It�s not that I made a decision one day to live such a life, but instead, the life and lifestyle were thrust upon me by fate, genetics or years of running my body into the ground. At this point, I�m really not sure, but I know... Read more

What Are the Symptoms of Silent Migraines?

jeremy- Common symptoms of silent migraines may include: Speech disturbance Migraine aura Vision changes Seeing flashes or flickering lights Seeing zigzag lines or waves, also called fortification illusions Seeing spots, stars, halos, circles, lines, shimmering, other shapes or colors Blurry vision Loss of vision Cloudy vision Other visual disturbances Seeing three-dimensional effects Seeing dark areas Migraine sensory aura symptoms such as Tingling or numbness Feeling pins and needles Odd sensations in a body part Clumsiness or weakness in the limbs Vertigo Other symptoms of silent migraines include: ... Read more

Prodrome: Migraine Warning Signs

Kerrie Smyres- As soon as I woke up yesterday morning, I was pretty sure a migraine was coming on. I couldn't put a finger on the exact symptoms, but I felt "off" and sluggish. As a chronic migraineur, I can't stay in bed whenever I feel "off" -- I'd rarely be vertical if that were the case. Within five minutes of hauling myself out of bed, however, tears began streaming down my face, a sure sign a migraine is on the way. Although it doesn't happen every... Read more

Migraine: Life On The Inside

Tom Picerno- I began having episodic migraines at age 43. My wife, however, started her journey with migraine in her teens. I have been with my wife since we were 14 and we are now both in our 50�s. We have always tried to be there to support each other no matter the situation, after all, we are partners in marriage! We have 3 daughters and two of them suffer from migraine just as my wife did when she was in her teens, 20�s and 30�s. They... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Share your story about silent migraine...

Many in the Migraine.com Facebook community have shared they experience silent migraine. We want to hear more about these stories of those who have migraine symptoms without the head pain: Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Who do you rely on most for support?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Children

□ Spouse or partner

□ Healthcare professional

□ Online support group

□ Local community members

□ Friends and other family

□ None of the above

View on the web here.

My First Month on Emgality

Lisa Robin Benson- In the video below, one of our contributors talks about her first month taking the new migraine preventive medication Emgality. Watch below to hear about her experience! If you are taking, have taken, or considering taking Emgality, we'd love to hear from you. We have an entire forum dedicated to Emgality here. You can also post in the comments below! Read more

Tackling the Treatments

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Advocate by Sharing Your Migraine Story with ICER

Katie M. Golden- The rising costs of medications are a hot topic right now and ICER needs to hear from patients about your need to be able to access new treatment options. You can submit your migraine story now until December 6, 2019. ICER primarily uses an economic approach when evaluating medicines that doesn�t take into consideration the variation between patients. Their model also under-values diseases that have a disabling impact rather than a lethal one. Put these two together and you can see why an ICER review in migraine disease is an unfair process. This is why it is vital you make sure they hear your personal story. ICER needs to understand how painful and disabling migraine disease is... Read more

A PCP, A Neurologist, and an Optometrist Walk Into A Bar

Kyky Knight- Migraine disease is an ugly and debilitating illness, and is known to steal joy, happiness, and opportunity. Often, when I think about the absurdities associated with living with and navigating migraine, I find myself getting angry and upset. As someone also living with anxiety and depression, the dark feelings come all too often, and digging up and away from them is a monumental task. There are so many aspects of living with this disease that seem unfair, and I tend to focus a lot on... Read more

Not Feeling Like Myself

Sawyer Matheny- I hate when my head is pounding and every thought feels like an internal mind-tornado. It�s here in this space that I feel most alone. An aura will begin and I�ll lose vision as if my brain is warning me. I�ll shut down most things that I�m doing; take my rescue meds, turn off the lights, and do my best to try to fall asleep as my skull drummer keeps a pulsating beat. I hate not being able to laugh or enjoy my day. I hate being out of commission. Life is too short not to enjoy it and it�s a migraine attack that really shows me this... Read more

Your Best Tips for Migraine Management

Editorial Team- We all know there is no �one size treats all� approach to migraine management, but sharing personal tips and tricks can often be helpful.� At Migraine.com, we�re typically in the position of offering opinions from our incredible team of patient advocates and physician experts.� Recently we decided to see what advice YOU � our community � had to share.� So we asked our Facebook followers, �What's the best �migraine advice� you've ever received?� While the number one comment was �decapitation� (something we would not recommend!), we... Read more

Why Did I Wait on Starting a Gratitude List?

Alene Brennan- There has been a lot of buzz about gratitude lists and journals. I heard great testimonials for their benefits. I read articles on how much they actually could improve health. Heck, I even recommended them to my clients and saw the positive impact they had on each of them. When it came to my personal life however, I couldn�t get the habit to stick. I had an existing morning and evening routine that I liked, so I guess I just saw this as another thing I... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Black Hole

My partner's name is Madeleine, she has been confined to bed for four years with ME/CFS. Her life was on hold and to make matters worse she developed a severe migraine two weeks ago, so severe that she can't stand the sight of any light, so now she is in perpetual darkness. She is taking prescribed medication which has finally helped with the pain but she needs some guidance of how to get out of this eternal blackness. If anyone has gone through this she would really appreciate their suggestions and support. She is at the end of her tether. ... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you ever taken OTC medication and/or Excedrin Migraine as a form of treatment?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, only OTC

□ Yes, only Excedrin Migraine

□ Yes, both (OTC and Excedrin Migraine)

□ I have taken them in the past but not currently

□ No, I have never taken OTC and/or Excedrin Migraine

View on the web here.

A comically large price tag with an exclamation point on it laying on top of a tiny syringe.

New Treatment Experiences Part 3: Insurance and Cost Barriers

Editorial Team- It's an exciting time in the migraine world! For the first time in decades, there are new treatment options for people living with migraine. While there can be feelings of hope for these new options, it's also important to acknowledge the barriers many in the migraine community may face in actually accessing these new drugs. In the last part of this 3 part series, we're sharing comments from migraine community members who pointed out their challenges with receiving insurance coverage as well... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Self-Care for the Holidays

Alene Brennan- The holidays can be one of the most joyful times of the year. It�s time with family and friends, enjoying delicious food at gatherings, and listening to uplifting music. It�s definitely one of my favorite times of the year. I�m that person that chooses to work retail just during the holiday season to help buyers select presents to their loved ones. I personally like to participate in every aspect of the holidays. One of those aspects is one that I decided to create myself. I guess you could... Read more

Migraine and Sleep Apnea

Tom Picerno- If you�ve suffered from migraine and especially chronic migraine then you know sleep disorders are pretty common. I�ve read that people can be eight times more likely to have a sleep disorder if they also suffer from migraine. There are risk factors, like snoring, that can trigger morning headaches or in my case... Read more

Diagnosis Isn�t a One-Time Thing

Sarah Hackley- �That�s a lot of blood,� I said to the lab tech as she filled up vial number 10. She laughed but nodded. It was a lot of blood. When I came in with my orders � a stack of papers weighing more than the homestead exemption paperwork that required two stamps to get across town � the tech at the front desk raised her eyebrows. As the labels for the tubes began to print, all three of the techs behind the desk looked shocked. I wasn�t... Read more

Totally, Completely Out of Control

Kyky Knight- Recently, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I am currently sick too often to take on as much responsibility as I have in the past. I used to pride myself on my ability to 'go the extra mile', to be the 'yes man', the one who would stay up late and wake up early to be on top of it all. I think in ways I was raised with the mentality that 'pushing through' was a sign of strength... Read more

Balancing Sugar and Migraine?

Sawyer Matheny- I have always loved anything sweet. When I was a kid, I would go on these sort of candy safaris, looking for any scrap of sugary goodness I could find throughout my house. If there weren�t a conventional, wrapped candy bar somewhere, I would resort to getting into my mom�s baking supplies and eat the powdered sugar! As I grew older, the quest for sugar became less and less realistic. What began as Sawyer and the Temple of Sweeties evolved into Sawyer's Tummy Ache Time.... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Will I ever have a life again?

I've had migraines since I was a child, I'm 48 now. I have memories of them. I'm sitting in bed with my mom next to me, rocking back and forth, crying in pain. Sometimes we'd be in the bathroom and she's holding a bucket in front of me and I'm on the toilet sick from both ends (sorry, gross) but, that's how bad they were... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
What triggers have you avoided that have been successful in preventing your migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Foods and drinks

□ Lack of sleep

□ Hunger

□ Sounds

□ Stress

□ Lights

View on the web here.

A hand reaching into a medication bag from a pharmacy.

Tips for Timing Your CGRP Medicines

Lisa Robin Benson- CGRP medicines are a brand new type of migraine drug that�s on the market. The three that are out�Aimovig, Emgality, and Ajovy�are all administered as monthly injections. I�m about to take my third dose of Emgality. Through my own experiences, and talking with others in our forums and online, I�ve thought of and heard of a few tricks for finding your best timing of when to take the medicine. It�s important to mention that when deciding anything about when or how you take a medicine, you should always consult with your doctor first. These are new medicines and we are still learning about them, and... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
Cluster Headache: What You Need to Know

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine: The Third Wheel In My Marriage

Tonilyn Hornung- I was an only child until my little sister came along. After she was born, I quickly discovered that younger sisters are super talented at being third wheels. With her cute voice and big approval-seeking eyes, she pleaded to play Star Wars with me and my BFF. When I got married she abandoned her post, but that�s when another third wheel joined in�my migraines... Read more

Surviving the Holidays with Migraine

Shoshana Lipson- For many of us who live with migraine, the holiday season can be bitter-sweet. Thoughts of complex family dynamics, multiple parties, and events, as well as navigating the shopping crowds can easily trigger pain and anxiety. Then we can�t forget to mention the endless hours of cooking, which can itself easily lead to stress overload. After all, how can we guarantee that we will be well enough to do all of this? In fact, any of this at all?! How much medication will we need... Read more

The Evolution of Migraine: Exploring Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and the True Impact

Editorial Team- Many people living with migraine are well aware it's not just a headache. From early onset during childhood to it taking sometimes years to receive an accurate diagnosis, migraine can have a serious impact on people�s quality of life. Migraine can often be misunderstood by loved ones, friends, and even doctors. Thanks to nearly 5,000 of you, we are able to share what life with migraine can really be like, from start to the present. And speaking of the present, while way overdue... Read more

Perspective Change: Taking A Vacation From Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- It�s a rare moment that I forget I�m living with migraines. They�re as much a part of me as my elbows or my love for Chris Pine. If I�m not suffering through one, then I�m checking in with my body to assess my pain level. I need know if I�m up to an epic Lego date with my 5-year-old or a date night with my hubby. Living with migraines can be exhausting, even when I�m not having one. This is why I�d love to be... Read more

My Morning Routine...Sometimes

Kyky Knight- Waking up with painful migraines nearly everyday means having a morning routine that might look a little strange or different to those who don�t live with the disease. For me, extra time and care is usually needed in order for me to get ready for the day, and morning commitments are difficult to arrange because I never know how long it will take to get ready, or if I will be well enough to drive into town in a certain amount of time or... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Medication Timing and Emotions

Timing my rescue medications is a challenge. I have 5, 2 must be taken together (one mitigates the side effects of the other as well as reducing vertigo) 1 of those must be separated from 2 others by at least 30 min. I have to take it first in order to keep the others down, but it offers no pain relief only nausea and vertigo. Another must be taken before pain, but not at all if I had brainstem aura. Another is... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
What triggers have you avoided that have been successful in preventing your migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Foods and drinks

□ Lack of sleep

□ Hunger

□ Sounds

□ Stress

□ Lights

View on the web here.

A violently snapped pencil with shards around it. frustration, anger, annoyed

Frustrated? That's Okay!

Kyky Knight- I have heard from community members time and time again that they are just fed up with migraine. It�s unpredictable. It�s inconvenient. It steals time and joy, and it doesn�t respond well to attempts of relief for many folks. It is like a pesky enemy that knows way too many personal details, has successfully committed identity theft, and just won�t go away. Ugh. Given that migraine is just plain awful, it is perfectly okay to be frustrated. I know that many times in the community we talk about seeing the good through the pain, finding hope, and focusing on our strength, but sometimes all we want to do is tell migraine to kick the bucket! That�s okay. I find personally, that feeling mad can be a source of stress for me... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
Migraine In America 2019: The Evolution of Migraine

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Hope, Faith, and Migraine

Tom Picerno- When I sit and think of all the things I�ve tried to ease the pain and disruption from migraine disease, it can be a bit overwhelming. I�ve tried and failed so many drug therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy, to mention a few, but I always push onward with faith and hope. It�s strange that these two intangible things are always at the core of my journey. I suppose it�s because I lived most of my life relying on them. I guess you could call... Read more

Thankful For...The New Nerivio for Migraine!

Shoshana Lipson- It can be challenging to go through the holiday season while living with a disease like migraine. Sometimes we have to dig deep to ponder on the things we are thankful for! And yet, now more than ever before there is reason to be thankful! Not only are there new medications expected to be available soon, but just as exciting, there is a new non-medication treatment option: Nerivio by Theranica! One of the things that I have personally followed closely is the emergence of non-invasive medical... Read more

Appreciation and Reciprocation

Kyky Knight- If I am being completely honest, I can be a very difficult patient at times. When I am experiencing a particularly painful migraine, wherein I can't perform my usual tasks or meet my usual commitments, I often begin to feel all kinds of other painful things: depression sometimes takes hold, anxiety grips me and I feel stressed out about all the things I can't do. I find myself becoming short and snappy, and angry about small things, too. In short, I don't feel or act... Read more

Is This What Wellness Feels Like?

Holly Harding Baddour- Dear Loved One, I think I told you that I�ve been trying the new drugs made for migraine.�They�re called CGRPs. Researchers have basically discovered that people with migraine produce more of a certain type of protein than other people and these drugs block that protein. Three different drug companies came out all at once with these blockers (Aimovig, Emgality, and Ajovy) given by monthly injection. While they have the same aim, they don�t work for everyone in the same way. I�ve tried two of the three... Read more

Migraine Patients May Be at Increased Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sarah Hackley- Headache is a common symptom of many autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whether that�s from the disease activity itself, the medications used to treat the disease, or a combination of both remains a topic for debate. However, head pain as a symptom of autoimmune activity is not the only link between the two. It turns out, there may be an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in those of us living with migraine... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Tina's Story: How Migraine Has Changed My Life

I have been suffering from migraines since July of 2017. When they started they just kept getting worse along with Vertigo. My MRI showed the smaller vessels of my brain are diseased so I been seeing a neurologist since. We have tried medications now we are trying the b2 vitamin and oxygen therapy when when hits. I have a very hard time cognitively and physically functioning. I try my hardest to deal with this problem but it is hard. I have migraines start up daily and once I put the oxygen on it does help but this is not how I want to live my life. I can�t go very many places because I am always am in a dark room. Once I get a bad attack that is pretty much... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Which do you most want to learn more about on Migraine.com?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Emotional impact

□ Caregiver resources

□ Diagnosis

□ Research or clinical trials

□ Treatments or medications

View on the web here.

An uncomfortable skeptical nervous woman clasping hands together surrounded by her family giving her medical migraine advice.

How to Handle Family�s Opinions on Your Health

Alene Brennan- They mean well. They really do. Or at least that�s what I tell myself. Truth be told, I have a very supportive family. But the ability to handle our families' opinions on our health � and especially our dietary choices... It affects all of us on some level whether it�s a daily interaction or one just around the holiday gatherings... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

A New Take on the Headache Calendar

Holly Harding Baddour- Headache calendars serve many purposes. They help to keep a record of potential triggers, medications, and migraines and can help us communicate with our doctors. However, for those of us with chronic migraine, a headache journal can become a heartbreaking reminder of daily pain. In this video, I share the idea of keeping a wellness calendar to try to figure out why I had a well day/moment and to record what I was able to get accomplished. The visual reminder that a well moment/day occurred provides... Read more

Taking Care of Yourself With Migraine

Tom Picerno- There is so much baggage that comes along with migraine. Anyone who suffers from migraine I�m sure can attest to that. Migraineurs carry tremendous amounts of guilt, disappointment, and fear along with them each day. We fear when the next attack will be. We have to process the countless times we�ve been disappointed or disappoint others due to migraine. One of the biggest burdens we carry, I feel, is guilt. I personally hate feeling guilty about having this disease. It wears on me daily, but... Read more

A Real Sense of Community

Sawyer Matheny- Sitting in a dentist�s office is like one of my few personal hells. Along with porta-potties, a dental office gives me just heaps of anxiety. I don�t know which part unnerves me the most. Maybe it�s the foot-long Novocain needles or the teeth drills that can send electric shocks throughout my jaw. Or maybe the time where a dental hygienist told me that babies can sit through my procedure and I should be able to too. As clich� as it sounds, I was sitting in a... Read more

Relapsing Into Bad Habits

Kyky Knight- As of late, I am exhausted. I mean the kind of exhausted that is in a way spiritual. For folks out there who appreciate puns: like a quarter at an arcade, I am spent. I�ve been silently dealing with heightened fatigue from new medications, and daily throbbing head pain for what seems like an eternity. I�ve been incredibly stressed out from the constant buzz of a go-go-go society. I�ve had trouble sleeping due to migraine, and since I haven�t been able to sleep well, I struggle... Read more

Medication PTSD vs Guinea Pig Queen: It's All a Matter of Attitude

Shoshana Lipson- Honestly, my attitude about migraine treatment is not always all that positive � I�m sure that I am not alone in that! After decades of living with migraine (cycling back and forth between episodic and chronic), I have gone through more than my fair share of medications. Sadly, that also means I have had a good healthy dose of side effects � or maybe that should be called an �unhealthy� dose! I like to refer to it as medication PTSD, and the consequences of that... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Living With Migraine

I am a 56-year-old woman suffering from migraines for more than 20 years. I have tried everything, have gone to specialty clinics in different cities, nothing works this past year I have been more days in bed than out of bed. Recently I heard of a doctor who does migraine surgery, has anyone else heard or done that... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Which do you most want to learn more about on Migraine.com?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Emotional impact

□ Caregiver resources

□ Diagnosis

□ Research or clinical trials

□ Treatments or medications

View on the web here.

A long-haired woman confidently explaining something with a "hold on a minute" hand gesture. There is a large speech bubble coming from the woman's mouth

5 Ways to Describe Migraines to a Person Who Doesn't Have Them

Tonilyn Hornung- For those who have experienced migraine pain, I can say, �I have chronic migraines,� and there�s no further explanation needed. An instant recognition happens between us and that person understands my pain. I�ve learned that this same shorthand doesn�t exist with people who have never suffered from a migraine. My condition gets lost in translation, and because of this some friends and family still believe my migraines are just really �bad headaches.� When I first started getting migraines, the only language I had to describe one was, �It�s like a headache but way worse.� I was at a loss to describe the agony I felt and in trying to find some relatable way of speaking about them, I used headaches as an example. A migraine is not a �bad headache.� Still,... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
A Special Section: Finding Your Footing With Migraine

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Green Light Therapy for Migraine

Kerrie Smyres- "Researchers Explore A Drug-Free Idea To Relieve Chronic Pain: Green Light" declared the headline of an NPR story published in December. Like so many news articles on migraine, it seemed interesting but left me with a ton of questions. I dug around online and found the listing for the clinical trial, which spurred even more questions. So I went to the source. Dr. Mohab Ibrahim, the study�s lead researcher, is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist at the University of Arizona. He was kind enough to spend 40... Read more

What's Your Secret: Distraction

Holly Harding Baddour- In this What's Your Secret video, we discuss ways to distract ourselves when dealing with pain. Living with chronic migraine can often mean living with some amount of pain on a fairly constant basis. The most severe migraine pain, of course, means a dark room and being still - but if we are at a moderate pain level, how do we distract ourselves so that pain is not the focus of our lives? The answer to this question is unique to each of us as... Read more

Therapy Animals

Tom Picerno- In September of 2012, I was hit with an awful migraine attack. It lasted for a month and it was unrelenting. I fell asleep with the help of medication, but the migraine was still there. I would wake up with the migraine too. I bounced from medication to medication and from doctor to doctor trying to find something to help the pain and side effects of migraine. During my third week of the attack, the combinations of medications were starting to give me some short... Read more

Migraine and Sustainably Being There for Others

Kyky Knight- I have always been a particularly sensitive person, both personally and towards others. I would characterize myself as very empathetic and attentive to those around me, and I tend to think about a lot of situations involving others I know and care about for maybe too long of a time. I want to problem solve and fix issues when they come to my attention as soon as possible, and in general, I like to be a part of the process of getting things in order... Read more

College Life and Migraines

maria.deleon- The stressors of being away from home for the first time, coupled with not eating or sleeping well, along with an enormous workload can lead to the perfect storm - development of migraines. Even if you have had migraines prior to attending college, the above factors can unleash a reaction of recurrent frequent attacks. Both my daughter and I experienced worsening migraine attacks during the first semester of college. What can you do to prevent this reaction from occurring? Being a college student with all the rigorous... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
And It Never Stops...

We were out for a Sunday drive and BAM the worst headache of my life and we still had to drive all the way home. NEVER had a headache like that before and thought "this is it, this is how I'm gonna die". That was my first trip to the ER for a headache out of what is probably now HUNDREDS!!!! I have had so many headaches it's just freakin crazy. It's a good thing I worked at a medical center! I had a hysterectomy & they thought maybe I'd get some relief with that but hell no. Years go by and we get it somewhat kinda sorta under control (not really I just took so much pain medications it was nuts) and BAM I get in a near-fatal boating... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you think there is a treatment revolution now for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, CGRPs give us new hope

□ Yes, but not sure about CGRPs yet

□ No, I�m still struggling

□ No, not sure about new treatments

□ Not sure/don�t know

□ What are CGRP�s

View on the web here.

A brain drops into a puddle causing a ripple. The splashes are smaller speech bubbles.

Finding Your Voice Part 1: A Ripple That Makes a Difference

Shoshana Lipson- �Gentle hugs to you!" Angrily brushing away the tears that welled up in my eyes, I tried to figure out why such a simple statement made my heart ache. Decades of chronic migraine and lack of understanding about a disease that is only now just starting to come out from the shadows had programmed me to accept that most people simply did not understand and� that I was alone. Alone in facing symptoms that could not be controlled and were too easily triggered. Symptoms that had left a trail of broken dreams in the wake of unanswered medical questions. �Gentle hugs to you!� That simple comment introduced a tiny ray of hope. Hope that maybe there were others out there who understood, who cared. A discovery of people who were willing to take... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Sawyer�s Fun Migraine Survival Tools

Sawyer Matheny- There�s something satisfying yet depressing about knowing what your migraine triggers are. Yes, I know know that direct sunlight can make my head pain start throbbing which makes days on movie sets pretty stressful. I mean, how long can I endure being in the direct sunlight running from monsters? People don�t get to have these life experiences every day, so I try and do everything that I can to be in front of that Hollywood movie camera. On these types of exhaustive days, I always... Read more

Stigmatizing Statements Kids Hear About Migraine

Editorial Team- It�s hard enough to be an adult with a migraine�but to be a kid suffering the same fate is leagues worse. So many kids who have migraine aren�t taken seriously by the adults�parents, teachers, and principals�in their lives. This only compounds the problem, causing many of you to suffer in silence, sometimes for years. It�s our hope that this and future generations of kids won�t have to deal with the same stigmatizing comments and hassle. We also hope that by talking about it, many of you... Read more

Trusting the Timing of Your Healing

Alene Brennan- We hear all the success stories of people who have changed their diet and by doing so, changed their health. So, we implement their exact changes and wait for their exact results. And we wait� and wait� It only took them two weeks to change their migraines. When will your migraines go away? It�s important to keep in mind that each person�s body is unique. No two people are the same - not even identical twins. There are so many factors that we don�t even think of that affect... Read more

Trying All the Triptans

Tonilyn Hornung- I�ll try anything once. This life motto works well when nervous about trying wacky foods or the latest dance craze. Once tried, I can either say, "Nope. Been there done that," or add my new like to my Like List. This mantra has done me a huge solid when trying out new treatments for my head. So, when my neurologist suggested that I should try different triptans to find the best one for battling my chronic migraines, I was ready to add a new like... Read more

How Chronic Migraine Made Me Sensitive

Amanda Workman- Growing up on a farm tends to create a tough personality, even in girls. My grandfather only had girls who in turn only had girls; therefore, we grew up sharing chores that were not always feminine. A lesson we learned early in life was to tuck and roll when things got tough and to get right back in the saddle afterward. Despite living almost 20 years with this at my core, when chronic migraine took over my life it made me sensitive. The first sensitivity that... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
CGRP Worked--For A While

I was one of the first in my doctor's practice to start Aimovig. I knew that the CGRPs were arriving, and I was excited to have a new treatment option. At the time, I was having 3-4 severe migraines per week, and my quality of life was poor. I was managing to work, but I could not do much else. Most of my weekends were spent on the couch. I felt a difference as soon as I started Aimovig. I went days, even weeks without a migraine, and when I did get them, they were much less severe. I started doing things I hadn't done in years--walking to work, taking piano lessons, making bread--it was like a new life! Then I hit the end of... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you think there is a treatment revolution now for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, CGRPs give us new hope

□ Yes, but not sure about CGRPs yet

□ No, I�m still struggling

□ No, not sure about new treatments

□ Not sure/don�t know

□ What are CGRP�s

View on the web here.

hands meet in front of a light and dark landscape of waves and paths

I Am More Than My Diagnosis: A Year in Review

Editorial Team- As this community and our sister communities grow, one universal truth is clear: people are more than just their diagnoses. As 2019 comes to a close and a new year begins, we�re celebrating the many ways writers across our communities have found to speak back to their diagnoses, overcome new and evolving challenges, and support others to do the same. Nobody would ever choose this position, but those who live it find that there is only one direction: forward. Because life demands that you step into this role that requires strength, you find it. You call on it. You push yourself, and somehow, you get through � no matter what... Read more

ADVERTISEMENT
A Special Section: The Weight of Migraine

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

My 5 Month Emgality Update

Lisa Robin Benson- Over the summer I was prescribed Emgality by my headache specialist. I want to share how I've been doing now that it's been 5 months on the new medication. I thought my candid experience might help others learn more and weigh their own options, or know that they're not alone. In case you haven't heard, Emgality is the third of the new migraine drugs to come out in its class. It�s a CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor) antagonist. It is administered as a once a month... Read more

Ubrelvy: Ushering in a New Era of Migraine Abortives

Shoshana Lipson- Hot on the heels of Eli Lilly�s first-in-class migraine abortive, Reyvow, comes Ubrelvy by Allergan. Ubrelvy, also known as ubrogepant, is a CGRP receptor antagonist that targets the CGRP receptor site. It is the first �gepant� to receive FDA approval in this exciting time for migraine treatment, a time that is seeing a rapid change in the treatment landscape. It is strange to consider that there would ever be an �exciting� time to have migraine. However, for a disease that has not had any new... Read more

Cheers to 2020

Alene Brennan- I�m not a big fan of New Year�s resolutions. I get it, it�s a new beginning, and who doesn�t love a fresh start? However, I find them to be very short-lived. So, I just try to take a moment to review my previous year � what went well, what didn�t � and decide SIMPLE habits that I want to be super consistent within the new year. This year, that habit is staying well hydrated. I know, staying hydrated is really going to be a game-changer for... Read more

Fitting in Socially With Migraine: (Not) Whining About Not Drinking Wine

Tonilyn Hornung- I�m the only one drinking water at this party. Sure, the migraine medication I�m taking as a preventative (Topamax) can also prevent me from counting, but I can clearly count all fifteen people holding wine versus my one glass of tap water. I try swallowing that ol� familiar lump in my throat, but I can tell it�s here to stay. One of these things is not like the other, and I�m getting the feeling it�s... Read more

Cluster Headache and Oxygen Therapy

Editorial Team- Cluster headaches are excruciatingly painful, debilitating headaches that occur in clusters. They generally affect one side of the head and result in other symptoms that affect the same side of the face. They can awaken people in the hours after they go to sleep, often occur at the same time of day, and are experienced as either episodic or chronic. Cluster periods can last for weeks or up to a year, followed by periods of... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
A Migraine Sufferer�s Year Long Journey on Aimovig

In October 2018, I signed up for the Bridge to Commercial Coverage program for Aimovig. It offered twelve free doses until my insurance carrier approved. My neurologist started me off with one 70mg dose. The program even offered a nurse to come to my home to help me with the injection. Even though I�m a wimp when it comes to shots, it wasn�t that bad. I also continued with yoga, acupuncture, and meditation, something that had already been reducing my migraines from 15 a month to 6. That first month, I didn�t notice much difference. But by the second dose in November, my migraines reduced from... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Which do you most want to learn more about on Migraine.com?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Emotional impact

□ Caregiver resources

□ Diagnosis

□ Research or clinical trials

□ Treatments or medications

View on the web here.

New Treatment Experiences Part Two: No Happy Ending Yet

Editorial Team- Migraine treatments are getting a lot of attention lately. With new options on the market, people in the migraine community have expressed feelings of hope and hesitation. On Migraine.com's Facebook page, we reposted Holly Baddour�s piece, �CGRPs and Migraine: Navigating Wellness for the First Time in Years.� Her article sparked so many reactions. In a separate Facebook post, we also asked the Migraine.com community if you had talked to your doctor about trying new migraine treatments. In part 1 of this 3 part series, we shared comments from migraine community members who spoke out about how these new treatment options have been life-changing. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all when it comes to migraine treatment and some of you have not found relief from trying these new treatments. Here... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

New Decade Resolutions

Sawyer Matheny- New Year�s resolutions have always been a fickle thing for me. Growing up, adults swore on the fact that with each beginning of the calendar year, they would strive to have a new purpose! A single element of themselves that they would work on. This promise always seemed to be more of a ritualistic ideology rather than an achievable goal for most. When I was of age to New Year�s resolute, I went for immeasurable things like 'be a better person,' 'be happier,' and 'treat people... Read more

5 Ways to Describe Migraines to a Person Who Doesn't Have Them

Tonilyn Hornung- For those who have experienced migraine pain, I can say, �I have chronic migraines,� and there�s no further explanation needed. An instant recognition happens between us and that person understands my pain. I�ve learned that this same shorthand doesn�t exist with people who have never suffered from a migraine. My condition gets lost in translation, and because of this some friends and family still believe my migraines are just really �bad headaches.� When I first started getting migraines, the only language I had to describe one... Read more

Migraine and Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Jaime Sanders- Ashley Stark has risen to the top of her field but not without struggle. Breaking through the glass ceiling is difficult enough, and for Ashley, experiencing migraine attacks that �were so bad at one point my neck went completely stiff and the pain was unbearable� made it even more challenging. Ashley�s days are HECTIC. On a normal day, she�s busy getting her kids ready for school, helping with homework, cooking dinner, and settling them into their nighttime routines all while managing her own design business. When... Read more

How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor's

Lisa Robin Benson- According to our 2018 Migraine In America survey data, 74% of those with migraine had to see more than one doctor before receiving a diagnosis. As we know, it can be challenging to advocate for ourselves at the doctor's to get helpful answers and treatments. I want to make a few suggestions in this video of what I've learned over the years can lead to a better treatment outcome and better experience overall. No need to get out a pen and paper, I'll outline below... Read more

Migraine-Friendly Pizza

Alene Brennan- I love pizza. But my migraines don�t love pizza. In fact, pizza � with all its gluten and dairy � are a surefire way for me to trigger a migraine. So, my search for a migraine-friendly pizza began. Spoiler alert! I found great alternatives including an allergy-friendly pizzeria. Jules Thin Crust Pizza is a pizzeria that serves gluten-free, dairy-free organic pizza crusts. If you�re lucky enough to live close by one, definitely check it out. The closest one to my home is about 45 minutes but it... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
My Controlled Migraine Thru Acupressure

Hi All, I want to share my migraine symptoms and how I treat it thru acupressure. I have been getting migraines for the last 10 years. I get severe headache throbbing pain mostly one side of head, if I don't pay attention to it, it increases and I go to a point where I have to stop everything I am doing and have to go in a dark room and do acupressure. I am not a doctor but have been able to control my migraine using acupressure points.� I haven't taken any medication so far. Usually it takes me 10-15 minutes to get rid of my migraine. yaah! That sounds miraculous, I don't know how it works scientifically but I am able to control it in usually 10-15 minutes of applying acupressure. Basically when... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you think there is a treatment revolution now for migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, CGRPs give us new hope

□ Yes, but not sure about CGRPs yet

□ No, I�m still struggling

□ No, not sure about new treatments

□ Not sure/don�t know

□ What are CGRP�s

View on the web here.

Your Migraine is Showing

Holly Harding Baddour- A stranger told me he could tell I had a migraine the other day. Something about my eyelids, he said. I was conflicted about how to take it. Of course, in many ways, the fact that migraine is an invisible disease makes it very hard to convince others of its serious nature. How, after all, can we possibly be struggling with such crippling pain when we look absolutely fine? This conflict � between looking fine and feeling terrible � adds weight to the widespread belief that we are fakers. That said, I don�t think any of us would actually want to look as bad as we feel, even if doing so were to serve as the world�s most effective PSA for migraine. I hate to admit that my vanity would get... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Why Migraine Is Important: Changing My Mindset

Lisa Robin Benson- I recently identified a nagging thought. It had been hanging around for years, but it finally came to the surface. What was it? �Migraine is not important.� This thought is undoubtedly upsetting and unsettling. Where did this false but powerful sentiment come from? For example, the sentiment came from remarks by both strangers and acquaintances that made light of our disease. There was the professor who laughed that my art studio was �so dark and quiet,� the stranger who heckled me for wearing sunglasses at night, or the... Read more

Finding Your Voice Part 2: You Can Do It Too!

Shoshana Lipson- Who me? Find my voice?! If that sounds overwhelming to you then read on�it�s honestly not as scary as it sounds, and you too can find ways to speak out! If you haven�t read my first article, �Finding Your Voice Part 1: A Ripple That Makes A Difference,� you may want to read that first. Hopefully, it will help put the fear, shame, and exhaustion that so many of us live with on to a back burner - at least for now. We are so... Read more

Trusting the Timing of Your Healing

Alene Brennan- We hear all the success stories of people who have changed their diet and by doing so, changed their health. So, we implement their exact changes and wait for their exact results. And we wait� and wait� It only took them two weeks to change their migraines. When will your migraines go away? It�s important to keep in mind that each person�s body is unique. No two people are the same - not even identical twins. There are so many factors that we don�t even think of that affect... Read more

Tips for Caregivers From Someone Who Wouldn't Be the Same Without One

Kyky Knight- Being a caregiver to a person living with chronic pain is no simple task. From keeping up with symptoms and triggers, doctor�s visits, and medications, to offering emotional, physical, and intellectual support to folks living with constant pain, caregivers often give so much and are often acting selflessly for the benefit of others. For this reason, it is important for folks who fill this role, either professionally or by proximity to someone living with a chronic disease or illness, to be well-equipped and prepared with resources... Read more

On Again Off Again: The Temporary Reprieve of Migraine Treatments

Holly Harding Baddour- In this video, Holly discusses the phenomenon of introducing a new migraine treatment and experiencing a break from migraine only to have migraine-related symptoms return soon after. Does this happen to you? If so, what do you think is causing the break and repeat in the cycle of pain and other symptoms? Join the conversation so we can learn from one another... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
And It Never Stops...

We were out for a Sunday drive and BAM the worst headache of my life and we still had to drive all the way home. NEVER had a headache like that before and thought "this is it, this is how I'm gonna die". That was my first trip to the ER for a headache out of what is probably now HUNDREDS!!!! I have had so many headaches it's just freakin crazy. It's a good thing I worked at a medical center! I had a hysterectomy & they thought maybe I'd get some relief with that but hell no. Years go by and we get it somewhat kinda sorta under control (not really I just took so much pain medications it was nuts) and BAM I get in a near-fatal boating... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Who brought up CGRP treatments first? You or your healthcare provider?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ My headache specialist/healthcare provider

□ My spouse or partner

□ Me

□ Not yet, I plan to ask my healthcare provider

□ I saw a commercial and then I asked

View on the web here.

A person looks at confusing direction and road signs to decipher their diagnosis journey

Cluster Headaches - Journey to Diagnosis

Anna Williams- Growing up, my grandpa had cluster headaches. I remember he would say, "It feels like a hot poker stabbing me in the eye." I remember thinking, "How would you know what that feels like?"�He passed away in 2003, only knowing that he suffered from cluster headaches. � He had no idea how to stop his attacks. He would have an ice pack on his head and would pace the floors.�Being a welder, he had access to oxygen tanks at home and at work. He never knew oxygen used according to a specific protocol is the best way to abort an attack! When I was about 30 years old, I started having new headache symptoms.�Since I had migraines for years, I knew this was something different. I would get intense head and eye... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine CareLine: Free Resource for Financial, Insurance, and Disability Assistance

Kerrie Smyres- Are you fighting with your insurance company to get coverage for a medication or another treatment? Do you need help filing for disability? Would you like to know which financial assistance programs are available to help you pay for treatment? The Patient Advocate Foundation�s Migraine CareLine can help you sort out all those questions and more. And it�s at no cost to you. I interviewed Erin Bradshaw, the Patient Advocate Foundation�s Chief of Mission Delivery, about the Migraine CareLine and other resources the organization offers. The... Read more

Does Your Family �Get� Migraines?

Alene Brennan- It�s hard to understand something you�ve never experienced. And that certainly is so applicable to the life of a migraineur. What I think is most frustrating as a migraineur, is someone thinking they know a migraine because they too have had a "headache" before. Over the years, I�ve become less concerned about the opinions of those outside my inner circle, but I need my inner circle to... Read more

How My 4-Year-Old Released Me From Migraine Guilt

Tonilyn Hornung- �Hi there,� my phone call began, �I�m so sorry, but I won�t be able to make lunch today. I have a migraine.� �That�s no problem,� the kind voice responded, �Please take care of yourself, and by the way�you aren�t allowed to feel guilty.� I said goodbye before the tears came. I�d suffered with migraines for over five years, but I hadn�t been able to put into words the weighty emotion that accompanied them. In that moment, my dear friend was the first to name my worry like he... Read more

Getting Shot in the Butt

Sawyer Matheny- I was never great about needles growing up. Sure, I say this as if I have gotten even remotely better at them nowadays. I mean yes, they pinch but I�d like to think that even at my worst I could at least TOLERATE getting those good-good fluids into me. Well� Much like most stories coming from the perspective of a twenty-three-year-old man, this one harkens back to my youth. I remember sitting in a sterile room with my mom and only... Read more

My Emgality Experience

Tom Picerno- I was fortunate to have been able to use the new CGRP drugs as a preventative option in my migraine therapy regimen. I started out on Ajovy in December 2018 and was able to utilize it until April of 2019. It was at that point my insurance carrier got involved and would no longer allow the Ajovy to be filled, as I was also on Botox. I tried to comply by discontinuing my Botox treatments as they were really not doing anything for my migraine... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We're active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
I�m Not Sure If This Will Work...

I�m really miserable right now. This is my 3rd day in a row with this migraine. I�m in bed, took my 2nd dose of Norco & it�s only 10:20 am, long wth a Phenergan because I�m so nauseated. I only hope that between all that, I�ll be asleep very soon. I�m typing mostly to distract myself until that happens. I started with the increased Aimovig dose (140mg) at the beginning of December. It seemed to help, sort of. I mean, I was doing pretty well, minimal headache until this one started. I�m due to take it again on the 5th, which is 6 days away. I�m wondering if any others out there on Aimovig have noticed that, as they get closer to the time they are due for their... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Who brought up CGRP treatments first? You or your healthcare provider?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ My headache specialist/healthcare provider

□ My spouse or partner

□ Me

□ Not yet, I plan to ask my healthcare provider

□ I saw a commercial and then I asked

View on the web here.

Person splayed in chair with closed eyes and an ice pack on forehead. Heat wave relief, cool air, AC, summer coping, cold, indoors POC, white, adult, female.

5 Migraine Coping Tools I (Try Not To) Take for Granted

Lisa Robin Benson- It's easy to fall into the habit of focusing on the pain and difficulty of living with migraine, so I wanted to share 5 coping tools I have access to and make use of that I am grateful for. I know it's easy to take many of these tools for granted, but I realize that I shouldn't. It's a hot day and the migraine attack has started; luckily it's time to go home. The attack isn't yet so bad that I can't drive, so I get in my car and blast the AC. I point the cool vents on my head and it provides a small bit of welcome relief. Air conditioners are a lifesaver I haven't always had air conditioning in my house, car, or workplace. I've worked as a teacher in... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

What's Your Secret to Opening Migraine Medications?

Holly Harding Baddour- In this What's Your Secret video, Holly explores the frustrating challenge of trying to open migraine rescue medication packaging. There are many varying types of rescue medications out there and for some reason, many of them are placed in packaging that is so secure that tools are required for access. Why is this the case? Please share your tales of frustration or your tricks of the trade as to how you've gotten around these hard-to-open packages so that we can connect and learn from one... Read more

Why I Stopped Hiding And Started Talking About My Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- "Mom, I'm good at keeping secrets because I always forget them," my 6-year-old said. We giggled over the reason he was a super-secret keeper and I remembered there was a time not so long ago I was good at keeping secrets - one in particular. There was a secret that was always on my brain - especially on the days where my head felt totally toasted. I didn't start out keeping my chronic condition private, but for a time it seemed like... Read more

Migraine's Badge of "Honor"

Sawyer Matheny- Throughout my migraine journey, I feel like I've become increasingly introspective. Growing up, I had always liked putting on a show and becoming the center of attention. Whether I had an especially good joke, or I had put on a home-made costume, I always loved to act and make people giggle. That, naturally, translated itself into a hobby, and thus a career. (I use the term career lightly at this point). I haven't been able to act since the... Read more

The Emotions of Migraines

Alene Brennan- As a yoga instructor, I've always been interested in how emotions affect the body. So, when I recently picked up the book, The Emotion Code, I was fascinated to learn that emotions can actually be stored in our body. The author goes on to explain how emotions that have not been properly addressed can get trapped inside the body and cause physical illness. This captivated my attention, even as a yoga instructor, who has seen countless students cry during a deep hip opener. Yogis believe that... Read more

Finding Hope When You Have Cluster Headaches

Anna Williams- Cluster headache has many names.? It is a member of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) family of headaches.? It has been referred to as Horton's Headache, after a neurologist who did work trying to understand it.? However, there is one name that instantly evokes an emotional response. This characterizes them well because those who live with these attacks are 20 times more likely to... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Heart Palpitations Before or During Migraine?

My question today is does anyone else get heart palpitations before or during migraine? I''m going for a heart checkup to be sure that my heart is ok. I''m not sure if palpitations are migraine-related or not... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you wish others knew the true impact of migraine and headache disorders?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes! (Take our survey to share more)

□ No, not really

□ I do, but I don't know-how!

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Person struggles speaking due to aphasia, brain fog, jumbled words and sentences. Lego pieces that can't connect. Trying to create connections, trace thoughts. Male, adult, POC, Hispanic Latinx.

Mismatched Lego Pieces of Communication: Aphasia and Migraine

Kelly J.- Recently, while we were on a walk, I was talking with my partner about my migraines because I was having a particularly difficult day of getting my words out a few days previous to that day. We discussed my frustrations, his amazing ability to be able to put my garbled words together, even through text, and the patience that it must take to be a partner to someone who struggles with aphasia frequently. I really have anxiety over it because it causes me to completely stop mid... Read more

Who's in Control: Migraine or Me?

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Taking Migraine Seriously

Shoshana Lipson- For a disease that impacts 40 million people in the USA alone, and around 1 billion globally, it is sad that this would even be a question in peoples' minds. Yet, it is! Millions of us struggle with the issue of taking migraine seriously. We deal with stigma at school, work, home, with our friends, in policies and regulations, even in healthcare. It's all too easy to feel as though this is not a disease to be taken seriously; that it's something we make too... Read more

Routine Check-Up: Seeing Improvement After a Bad Spell

The Migraine Girl- My migraine doctor is someone I look forward to seeing, though sometimes the visits can be a little bit of a bummer if I haven't been doing well and I have to face the truth with her. (There's no point in sugarcoating things for a medical professional whose job it is to help your health improve, which means my guard is down and I'm vulnerable and... Read more

6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Telehealth Visit

Kerrie Smyres- "Hello, I'm Dr R------," the gastroenterologist said at my first telehealth appointment with him. Social convention dictates that I would have said, "Hi, I'm Kerrie. It's nice to meet you." Instead, I was so discombobulated that all I said was, "Hi." This wasn't my first telehealth visit, but it was my first with a healthcare provider I hadn't met before and who doesn't normally offer virtual visits. The doctor seemed totally comfortable, but I felt awkward. So I did what I always do when I'm uncomfortable-I... Read more

Don't Go Into the (Green) Light?

Sawyer Matheny- There was a time when book reports were commonplace in my life. As somebody with huge attention issues, sitting down and getting those darn words to stay in place long enough to get through an entire book was quite the feat. I was, and am to this day, a... Read more

4 Things Parents With Migraines Totally Understand

Tonilyn Hornung- It's tough having a brain that barbecues itself. It's even more of a challenge when my brain barbecues itself while I'm parenting my 6-year-old. My migraines present a major obstacle when it comes to staying present (and out of bed) while cooking meals, helping with math equations, and playing hide-the-mom. Even though I know I'm not alone, suffering from migraines while parenting can leave me feeling... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Do you love green?

Recent studies on green light therapy have me reflecting on this. I personally gravitate toward green home decor, linens, etc. as well as muted earth tones, but mostly green And there is much research showing time in nature, green spaces, is therapeutic for many conditions. I was wondering if anyone else has... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you ever discuss aging with your doctors?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, I bring it up

□ Yes, they bring it up

□ We both have brought it up

□ No, they do not discuss it

□ I do not recall

View on the web here.

What to Expect When You Take Vitamins for Migraines

Alene Brennan- Did you ever truly listen to the list of side effects in some of these pharmaceutical commercials. "May cause headache, diarrhea, liver damage, or in some cases, sudden death." What? The list of side effects for some medications can be terrifying at best. Sometimes they list risks that are greater than the reason you're taking medication in the first place. That is why I do my best to be as proactive with managing my health through diet, lifestyle and natural remedies. This is not to suggest that I don't take medicine. When I'm in the throes of a full blow migraine - get me my medication ASAP. But I do actively explore natural approaches to be proactive in minimizing my risk for getting a migraine. Vitamins and supplements have played a big role... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

5 Things I've Done While Suffering With a Migraine

Tonilyn Hornung- Once my migraines became a regular thing, I stopped taking for granted easy tasks I performed daily. Simple chores like brushing my teeth or responding to a work email felt insurmountable while my brain was boiling. The best place for me to be when a migraine attacked was in a dark bedroom, but life didn't always wait for my migraine to let go. Fellow friends with migraines also revealed to me that they have left their solitude to go to work, or pick up their kids,... Read more

Speaking Up About Migraine to Reduce Stigma

Kerrie Smyres- The best way to reduce the stigma of migraine is for those of us with migraine (and those who love and support us) to talk about migraine. I believe that wholeheartedly despite this survey finding presented at the American Headache Society Scientific Meeting last July: knowing a person with migraine increases migraine stigma among those without migraine. Yes, you read that right - migraine stigma was higher for survey respondents who don't have migraine when they knew someone with migraine than when they didn't. Before... Read more

Insomnia and Migraine

Tom Picerno- There are so many co-morbid conditions that are associated with migraine it boggles my mind. I feel that I am fortunate to be carrying only a few with me on my journey because I know of many others that have many more than me. I suffer from chronic migraine as well as chronic back pain and depression. I also suffer from insomnia. I really struggle with insomnia even though I take medication to help me relax and fall asleep. Some nights that just doesn't work... Read more

Acting Around Migraine

Sawyer Matheny- For me, there's nothing that the art of performance. While other people may be petrified stiff with the thought of being up on a stage, or reciting memorized text to an audience or camera crew, I find a kind of energy that goes along with it. Well. I mean. Sure, that phrase has an absolute boatload of negative connotations, but it's sort of close to what I feel. Being able to perform and show off what I have inside, whether it's comedy, or drama,... Read more

I'm Sorry for What I Said When I Was in Prodrome

Anna Eidt- I used to say "I'm sorry for what I said when I was hangry," but what with my eating protein-rich foods every three hours to keep my blood sugar even and ward of migraine, hunger is no longer the issue. Prodrome -- the first?three stages that usually?play out during a migraine attack -- can be pretty elusive. It can include everything from yawning to brain farts. Usually, I know something's up when I feel escalating, acute pain in my neck or shoulder. Other times I know... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Grief and Migraine

As I sit here writing this, I am not sure what to write about. I have so many things I want to say about chronic migraine, but I don't know which one to choose. I'm don't want to rehash something that has already been posted here, but I want to make it relevant to the experience of myself and others. I started having episodic migraines when I was about 13. By the age of 19, I was on an amount of medication that no 19-year-old has any right to be. And then, I got married. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, but the stress of marriage and birth control catapulted my episodic migraines into chronic migraines. Not to mention, I started graduate school, which just further increased... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you experience migraine attacks that come on quickly without warning?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ Sometimes

□ No I always experience warning signs/symptoms

View on the web here.

A house sitting on top of hills resembling brains contained in a vacuum-sealed container.

Is Your Home a Refuge From the Migraine Storm?

Holly Harding Baddour- It can feel as if we are spending our lives navigating the challenge of migraine - muscling our way through each attack. The journey can at times brings us to our knees and we often need a place to refuel and recharge in order to find the strength and fortitude to continue on. To that end, many of us create homes that offer a refuge from the storm of migraine- a place that has everything we need in order to labor through an attack in private. Our homes can catch us when we fall, cradle us while we are ill, protect and keep us safe and comfortable until we are ready to re-emerge into all of the loud sounds, bright lights, and strong smells the world has to offer. In response... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

A Yoga Convert: Mindfulness For Migraine

Kyky Knight- I used to be one of those folks who scoffed at the idea of trying yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness exercises when it came to relieving symptoms of migraine. Sit still and think about nothing? Uh....sounds like a sure-fire way to push the excruciating pain shooting through my temples right to the forefront of my mind---no thanks!? I was a true skeptic. That is...up until recently. That all changed when I gave it an earnest go and began to think about mindfulness a little differently... Read more

Cluster Headache Triggers and Treatment Hacks for Patients

Ashley Hattle- My episodic cluster headaches started in 2007 when I had my first attack at the age of 18, one year after experiencing SUNCT (Short-lasting, Unilateral, Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing). It was a heartbreaking journey for the first six years, but I managed to tame the beast with the help of Clusterbusters and a great team of medical professionals and treatments. One of the many, many strange things about cluster headaches is that they morph, or evolve, over time. What works to... Read more

I Want a Migraine Sensory Bubble!

Lisa Robin Benson- The other day I was fighting off triggers left and right! I would love to hear what senses bother you the most and how you deal with them! Do you have any special tools you use to block out light, sound, etc? The tool I mention in the video are my TheraSpecs sunglasses. They have been a lifesaver for me! I mention them and other tools in this video... Read more

My Migraine Playlist

Kyky Knight- Music can reach into the deepest parts of our soul and bring us joy when we can't seem to smile, bring us comfort when anxiety is high, and bring us peace when we feel a deep-seated uneasiness. Sometimes music can wrap up us like a blanket and make us feel understood when nothing else can. Living with migraine has left me feeling a lot of these emotions and more often and I turn to music to bring me healing when it seems out of sight.... Read more

CGRP Inhibitor Vyepti Adds a New Dimension to Preventive Migraine Treatment

Shoshana Lipson- Vypeti, the much anticipated new CGRP monoclonal antibody, is creating a buzz in the migraine community. 2018 saw a dramatic shift in preventive migraine treatment with the emergence of the first-ever medications specifically designed to prevent migraine, and now we see a fourth, innovative CGRP inhibitor joining the lineup. During a time when attention is being partially diverted to three new abortive treatments, Vyepti, a new preventive option, has been FDA approved and is about to be available on the market. Vyepti, also known as... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Comic Strip That the Migraines Couldn't Stop

As far back as I can remember I''ve enjoyed creating characters and stories about them. I also loved silly comic strips, like Garfield, The Farside, and The Wizard of Id, just to name a few. So it shouldn''t be too much of a surprise that I made my own silly and pun-filled comic strip as well. It was about almost anything, including silly alien creatures. After a time I had even started to work on submitting it to local newspapers. And a daydream of mine was to see my very own compilation book on the shelves of my favorite bookstore: Barnes and Noble... Then one day in 1998, a month into my 16th year, I woke up with an (intractable) chronic migraine that has basically never gone away. My life changed... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
If you have used the product the "Headache Hat", does it help to relieve pain and pressure of a migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ To a Great Extent

□ Somewhat

□ Very Little

□ Not at All

□ Have not tried it, but I'd like to!

□ Unsure and not interested

View on the web here.

Person with cluster headache sitting at computer desk looks off toward emergency room highlighted in hospital building

How to Handle the Emergency Department for Cluster Headaches

Ashley Hattle- The first time someone has a cluster headache attack, it may send them to the emergency room (ER). It's common and recommended for anyone experiencing a new, severe, sudden-onset headache to seek help in the emergency department. A new headache type could be a warning sign of a life-threatening health concern such as a brain tumor or aneurysm. If you don't have a diagnosis, some protocols need to happen to rule out these issues, including an MRI. If you do have a cluster headache diagnosis, getting the help you need in the ER is challenging at best. Cluster headaches come on suddenly, peaking within a few minutes, and last anywhere from... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine Triggers Part 1: Figuring Out the Trigger Riddle!

Shoshana Lipson- Do you know your migraine triggers? There are a lot of questions that those of us with migraine are asked by our doctors, friends, family, and those we know online. Questions about our symptoms and treatments we've tried. Questions about what "causes" migraine and why it affects our lives so much. Questions about why we're always sick and whether we've tried specific miraculous "cures." However, none of these are asked as frequently as... Read more

Running Miles for Migraine 2020

Lisa Robin Benson- I call myself a three-season runner: springs, summers, and falls are beautiful for running. Even in the heat of the summer, there is usually a time of day where it's still in the 70s, and so it's easy to get out there. The winter cold and snow, though, make running difficult in that season. So when the email came in February to sign up for a Miles for Migraine race, I was far from my running... Read more

Mental Health Care With Makeup

Kyky Knight- About two years ago, I really got into makeup. I watched countless videos of beauty gurus on the internet to learn how to apply mascara to my wild eyelashes that grow in many different directions and learned how to create a signature wing liner for my almond-shaped eyes. I even began to learn about my skin type and how to take care of it. Learning about ways to enhance my... Read more

Enter Our Axon Optics Giveaway!

Editorial Team- What better time than the beginning of Fall to announce our exciting giveaway brought to you by Axon Optics! Many that live with migraine deal with extremely painful light sensitivity. If you haven't heard about Axon Optics, you can learn more about their rose-colored technology here... Read more

gammaCore Coverage for Veterans and Active Military

Kerrie Smyres- Headache disorders are a common problem among veterans and active military members. More than a third-36%-of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have been diagnosed with migraine or probable migraine, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet headache specialists within the military medical system are scarce and getting migraine treatment can be tough for veterans and... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
How I Found the Root Cause of My Migraines

I''ve had migraines for about 20 years now (I'm 46 now), and just learned over time to live with them. I've researched all the ways to help like eating healthy, not overstimulating yourself, reducing stress, etc. but nothing would help. The funny thing is after enduring something for so long you get used to it. My mom''s side of the family has a history of migraines, so I was told that my two options were to either get on prescription meds or just deal with the pain. My aunt had taken... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you prefer reading stories from others with migraine or informational content on our site?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ I prefer stories from others - it makes me feel connected

□ I prefer reading informational content

□ I enjoy reading both

View on the web here.

Person holding fake happy mask, toxic positivity, attitude, impressions, positive, raised eyebrow, questioning, mental state. POC, adult, black, female.

The "Yes And" of Migraine Coping

Kerrie Smyres- My migraine attacks have been fierce lately and I'm not coping well. I've had to take a leave from my job and am barely keeping up with my freelance work. I'm grateful that I'm able to get out of bed, but have spent my days sitting around, playing Best Fiends, and trying not to stew in grief and anger over what I've lost to migraine. While I still look for the good parts of each day, most days are... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Weird But True: Did My Dog Take On My Migraine Symptoms?

Tonilyn Hornung- There was a time I didn't believe in unseen elements. My existential crisis kept me locked in a closed-off mindset. I only considered those notions that were backed up with solid proof. Jean-Paul Sartre was my hero and his words, "I am no longer sure of anything," hung over my bathroom mirror in French. Then, as I grew, so did my beliefs. I fell in... Read more

Why Do Cluster Headaches Wake You in the Night?

Ashley Hattle- Cluster headaches follow a distinct pattern. People with the episodic form often go into cluster headache cycles at the same time of year (typically around the Spring and Fall equinoxes), and some can pinpoint it to the exact day. Chronic "clusterheads" go into high cycles during these times too, during which they... Read more

Aftermath

Holly Harding- My bedroom is like the scene of a migraine crime. There is a vomit bucket next to three ice packs that are no longer cold. There is an eye covering on the floor I have been wearing for days to keep the light out. The ceiling fan is on high. All of my shades are drawn. There are... Read more

Healthy Fall Smoothies

Alene Brennan- I was introduced to the concept of seasonal eating during my nutrition coaching certification. It makes a lot of sense to me, so I do my best to eat the foods that are harvested during each of the three seasons - spring, summer, and fall. However, I struggle with making my breakfast smoothie seasonal during the fall. Summer smoothies are made with fresh, local fruit but for the fall I wanted to explore how to swap out some of those... Read more

10 Years of Your Questions and Answers

Editorial Team- Living with an invisible illness has many challenges. Along with feelings of anxiety, there are unspoken moments of helplessness and searching for the words to describe the pain that we are experiencing. For the past 10 years, our Migraine.com community members have found many ways to voice their feelings and experiences. Even during a dreaded attack, our members are there for each other. We want to thank you all for a decade of... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Necessity Versus Choice - Understanding Migraines

Non-migraineurs make decisions on a daily basis by choosing one among the many activities they do. To go out in the sun or not - they take this decision based on the discomfort they will have to bear either from the sweat or... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you ever discuss aging with your doctors?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, I bring it up

□ Yes, they bring it up

□ We both have brought it up

□ No, they do not discuss it

□ I do not recall

View on the web here.

Person clutches head as lightning bolts cycle circuitously around body. Anxiety, stress about migraine, trigger, attack, worrying about self, worry, pain, burst, episode

When the Stress of Migraine Is a Migraine Trigger

Kerrie Smyres- Normal stress isn't a migraine trigger for me, but extreme stress is. Given how 2020 is shaping up so far, my migraine attacks have increased in both frequency and severity. It got so bad this spring that I took a leave from work to try to manage them. I told everyone at the office that I expected to be back soon because work itself wasn't stressful, but the stress of not being able to work productively was. (This should have been a clue, but I was oblivious at the time!) I pulled out all the self-care stops, putting my preventive, acute, and rescue self-care methods in place simultaneously. I limited my exposure to news, made sure my diet and sleep were in order , and prioritized exercise and relaxation. At the same time, I also tried to go easy on myself, allowing myself to eat healthy food that felt... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine Bingo

Lisa Robin Benson- We all know of the game Bingo, but in recent years the popular chart has also been used for awareness purposes of various issues. In this way, the Bingo chart is often meant to represent what a particular community is hearing all the time from others, to hopefully give some insight into what they face every day. So along those lines, we asked our community what types of unsolicited advice or comments they get from others about their migraines. We compiled the most common answers in... Read more

Hemiplegic Migraine Q&A With My Partner - Part 2

Kelly J.- My partner and I are here to finish wrapping up some Q&As about hemiplegic migraines, how my life is affected and asks how he can learn to better support me. I also have a few questions in return for him, as we discussed a lot. You do a lot of work on your computer, does that affect "things"? As you know, I work very random hours - a lot of that has to do with eye fatigue,... Read more

Is Your Shampoo Triggering Migraines?

Alene Brennan- I've been hearing so much about the benefits of dry shampoo, so I decided to give it a try. I received a sample bottle in a gift bag, so it was the perfect opportunity to test it out. After a quick body shower, I sprayed my scalp and within minutes I knew I needed to hop back in the shower to wash it off. The aroma was so strong, I knew it would trigger a migraine - or at least a bad headache. Then I... Read more

What's In Your Toolbox? - Migraine and Cannabinoids

Shoshana Lipson- It is interesting that with the rise in migraine research and FDA approval of multiple new treatments, there is a corresponding rise in interest in alternative treatments. Possibly seen most clearly in the area of cannabinoids, there is a growing awareness of the need for options that work but which also have few or no side effects. The excitement about the possibilities is understandable. However, that excitement needs to go hand in hand with science, awareness of what we do and don't know, and realism.... Read more

Chronic Migraine Medications and A New Relationship

Amanda Workman- There are a variety of issues to consider when dealing with Chronic Migraine. Despite this, a common issue is managing the migraine pain with a limited supply of medications. The majority of the time that I have been battling chronic migraine, I was with the same partner. I went from episodic to chronic in 2009. My ex and I got together in 2011 and split last year in 2019. Now I am having to learn about not only dating but dating with chronic health conditions.... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Coping

I, fortunately, have been able to manage my migraines for a while now. No grains or sugar. No coffee, alcohol, chocolate, nuts, or processed meats. Plus, I drink a lot of saltwater and try first to stop a migraine with salt under the tongue which often works. I often wake up with a stiff neck and have to deal with that or it can develop into a migraine. But with this regime can stop it with half a migril and two besemax plus a tight band around my forehead and an ice pack or hot water bottle on my neck. Sometimes have to take it again if all signs have not disappeared after a few hours. I don't think I can be cured but, my life is normal again with... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How does hot weather affect your migraine/headache side effects?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ It makes it worse

□ It makes it better

□ Does not affect

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Person clutches back of aching neck. Vertebrae, vertebra, spine, alignment, chiropractor, chiropractic specialty, head pain associated. NB, male, female, adult, white, POC.

How a Chiropractic Specialty Helped My Migraine

Tom Picerno- I've been a migraine sufferer since my twenties. I am now in my fifties and my migraines have progressed from episodic to chronic. Over the course of my migraine journey, I've tried dozens upon dozens of treatments and drugs to try and help manage my migraine disease. I'm still trying today, but my efforts seem to be... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Take the Connected Health Survey

Editorial Team- In the digital age, there are so many devices, websites, and technologies related to health. From fitness trackers to mobile apps, we use connected health technology to track symptoms, monitor condition changes and wellbeing, receive test results and even communicate with our doctors. And, as recent events have pushed us to rely more and more on technology, what does it all mean for people living with chronic health conditions? While there are endless options for combining technology and health care, some people have concerns about security... Read more

Stress: A Migraine Trigger

Amanda Workman- A challenge around dealing with migraines pertains to the individuality of every aspect of the disease. Elements such as triggers, symptoms, and even the effectiveness of treatments. There are so many possible things that can trigger a migraine. One trigger that affects many people is stress. This is also one trigger that is painfully familiar to me. When my migraines first started, I only had them when I was under a lot of stress. These episodic migraines were not much of a concern to my family... Read more

10 Years of Your Favorite Reads

Editorial Team- The articles that are published and shared by Migraine.com are written by patient advocates who understand just how challenging and unique each and every experience with all types of migraine and headaches can be. In honor of the Migraine.com 10 Year Anniversary, we wanted to share with you some of your own favorite reads, the articles that resonated the most, struck up conversations, and described just how it feels to battle the symptoms, triggers, and... Read more

4 Things Parents With Migraines Totally Understand

Tonilyn Hornung- It's tough having a brain that barbecues itself. It's even more of a challenge when my brain barbecues itself while I'm parenting my 6-year-old. My migraines present a major obstacle when it comes to staying present (and out of bed) while cooking meals, helping with math equations, and playing hide-the-mom. Even though I know I'm not alone, suffering from migraines while parenting can leave me feeling lost and lonely. According to The Migraine Research Foundation, 12% of the population suffers from migraines. Clearly, there are other... Read more

Did I Cause My Chronic Migraines?

Lisa Robin Benson- The sun is in my eyes, and a dull ache is making itself known on the right side of my head and neck. My family and I are starting a bus tour of Boston. I have 7 Imitrex pills in my purse that remain from a prescription I've only used twice so far. Do I take one? Is this a migraine? We pile on the bus and I choose a window seat despite the sun that's throwing spears into my eyes. I am used to dulling... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Buried in the Ground - A Poem

As per request to share my poetry, here is one I feel like I may be talking about my migraine. I still don''t know where and how it came from. Writing poetry and prose helps me express things even when I feel handicapped with migraine. In many ways, migraine gets me disoriented leading to a lot of ideas for poems and stories. What can I say? It''s a wonderful thing I chanced upon... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you ever discuss aging with your doctors?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, I bring it up

□ Yes, they bring it up

□ We both have brought it up

□ No, they do not discuss it

□ I do not recall

View on the web here.

Treasure map featuring essential oils, eye sleep mask, ear plugs, pill holder leading to palm tree island. Steps to relief, treating symptoms and illness, non-pharmaceutical options.

What's In Your Toolbox? Migraine-Friendly Products

Shoshana Lipson- With an often overwhelming array of "products" that either claim to help migraine or make life more manageable, it can be hard to know where to start. In fact, it's easy to throw our hands up and say, "This is simply too much" and end up relying only on pharmaceutical options. However, with a disease that takes so much away from us, retaining (or regaining) that locus of control is crucial. Taking back control of the things that we can is EMPOWERING! One of the ways we can do that is by courageously exploring options that may be helpful to us. This is especially true until that much-longed-for day comes when a miracle happens and a cure for migraine is discovered. It's not surprising that there are endless products offered to... Read more

Who's in Control: Migraine or Me?

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Cluster Attacks and the Plight Filled Journey for Oxygen

Anna Williams- Experiencing cluster attacks for even seconds is too long given that it is the most painful condition known to medical science. Now, imagine there is a treatment that will stop an attack with no risk of side effects. What do you do when this treatment is restricted by your doctor, provider, or insurance? When I was diagnosed with Cluster headache attacks, I brought up high flow oxygen to my neurologist.?I had done my research prior to my appointment. He agreed high flow oxygen is the best... Read more

Hemiplegic Migraine Q&A With My Partner - Part 3

Kelly J.- In this last installment of the series, we talk about closing thoughts what it's like to date and live with someone who has hemiplegic migraines. This has been a little fun for the both of us after all that we discussed and the times I've been ill since we did our initial "interview" with one another discussing my Hemiplegic Migraine diagnosis. Keep in mind, I have multiple medical conditions, most of which he did not know about... Read more

5 Migraine Coping Tools I (Try Not To) Take for Granted

Lisa Robin Benson- It's easy to fall into the habit of focusing on the pain and difficulty of living with migraine, so I wanted to share 5 coping tools I have access to and make use of that I am grateful for. I know it's easy to take many of these tools for granted, but I realize that I shouldn't. It's a hot day and the migraine attack has started; luckily it's time to go home. The attack isn't yet so bad that I can't drive, so I get... Read more

2020 Has Me Short-Tempered

Kerrie Smyres- I don't feel like myself right now. The stress of living in 2020-plus the increase in migraine severity that stress has brought-has me short-tempered and quick to anger or tears. In Zoom calls with friends, I'm prone to monopolizing the conversation with frustration. On a professional call, I ranted about local politics, then spent the next 24 hours mortified by what I'd said. This is so not me. I don't like how my moods are affecting other people or how I'm presenting myself... Read more

My One-Year Emgality Update: Side Effects, Migraine Frequency, and Insurance Stressors

Lisa Robin Benson- I've been taking Emgality, one of the new CGRP antibody medications, for a year now and wanted to report my experience. Below I share about side effects, insurance stressors, and the effect on my migraine pattern. I gained about 5-10 pounds in the last year. To me, that's not a significant amount of weight and it's possible the weight gain wasn't related to the Emgality. I've struggled to keep a certain weight my whole life and can easily gain. My doctor doesn't yet know the answer... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Will I Ever Find My Trigger?

I''m a 54-year-old woman living in Scotland. I''ve suffered a migraine since my mid-20s... my migraine frequency changes. They started off 5/6 a month then jumped up to 10 a month then every day then 2 a day most days then calmed down again, to barely 2 a month & now they''ve come back to 4/5 a week. I know stress, tiredness, flowery sweet smells can trigger migraines for me but I get them even altho I avoid these triggers...currently on Sumatriptan having tried many other meds & natural remedies... I''m really interested in how others cope with their symptoms & which medications everyone is on... thank you for allowing me to be part of your community, hopefully, we can all help each other... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you think there is enough awareness of migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

An adult POC NB person sitting on the floor with legs crossed and hands thrown up in confusion/frustration. There are books and a laptop scattered around them. Cluster Headache

What a New Cluster Headache Patient Needs to Know about Treatments

Ashley Hattle- Cluster headache attacks are a different kind of beast than migraine disease and other headache disorders. The sudden onset and clock-like nature make you afraid to fall asleep, take a nap, and you subconsciously watch the clock, knowing another attack is minutes away. If you were recently diagnosed, you might be just beginning to understand how this confusing neurological disorder works. So, what are cluster headaches? Cluster headache is a form of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and is one of the rarer primary headache disorders, affecting one out of a thousand people worldwide. Cluster headaches can be episodic or chronic, and the attacks come on quickly and peak within five minutes. The immense, icepick stabbing pain is unrelenting for up to 3 hours at a time (rarely, longer) and comes back several times... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Telehealth 101: How to Visit Your Doctor Online

Editorial Team- Telehealth is a virtual service that lets patients interact with a healthcare professional online. This lets doctors and patients connect without being in the same room, or even the same city. Some of these appointments can replace office visits, which can have many benefits. Studies of people with migraine, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions show that virtual care can improve people's health. Studies also show telehealth can make it quicker and less costly to get care. This may be especially helpful for people living in... Read more

My Grief Turned Into a Migraine

#purpleproject- Recently, I lost my first rescue cat. I adopted him on my 21st birthday. He and I had been through so much. He saw things that no animal should witness. Our bond was unbreakable and he quickly became my therapy. A very special type of therapy. When I moved into my apartment 10 years ago, he spent the first night with me on the floor. No mattress, no furniture, just open space and a carpeted floor to sleep on. When he was just a few years... Read more

The Challenge of Being There for Loved Ones in Need While Being in Need

Holly Harding Baddour- We all want to come through for our loved ones in times of need. The hardest thing about my migraine disease, honestly harder than the pain itself, is when I'm unable to be there for my family and friends when they are struggling. My mother recently had hip replacement surgery. The surgery happened to come smack dab in the midst of an intractable, month-long migraine attack.?I am so close to my mom and I had planned to be there for her all the way through her... Read more

Buying A Blender for Migraine (Plus, Yummy Recipes)

Kyky Knight- Migraine is a lot of things...including very odd. Figuring out what helps mitigate the pain, or what exacerbates and triggers migraine attacks can feel like a full-time job, except instead of getting paid for a job well done, you spend?money trying to find answers, and those answers sometimes feel more confusing than the questions you started with. You also can't really put in a two-weeks notice with migraine. If only. One particularly taxing aspect of dealing with migraine disease is navigating food triggers. Eating right and... Read more

IV Hydration Therapy: An Approach for Migraine Treatment

Holly Harding Baddour- I was at a fundraiser recently and at the silent auction, I noticed a unique item: an IV Hydration Therapy Session. I'd never heard of the approach, but the description suggested it could be useful for people with migraines. I bid on it and won. I did some research on the approach before I made the appointment. Interestingly, the treatment is popping up at various places around the United States, often at day spas. An IV Hydration Therapy Session typically uses a saline solution and also... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Retinal Migraine

I have managed to reduce the occurrence of this form of migraine greatly by - avoiding mirrors and other reflective surfaces - it is particularly when either a very bright light or the sun, for example, reflect only for a moment sometimes and I catch this at a sort of slanted angle into my eyes then instantly leading to RM. Particularly difficult at some times of the year when using the car and looking into the little mirror in the middle of the windscreen which can reflect others'' headlights or the sun. Has anyone else found this as a trigger... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do your methods of avoiding a migraine work?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Always

□ Never

□ Sometimes

View on the web here.

Person drowning in water over her head with teddy bear, cell phone, soccer ball, abortive pills. Parenting, juggling tasks. Female, adult, POC

4 Things Parents With Migraines Totally Understand

Tonilyn Hornung- It's tough having a brain that barbecues itself. It's even more of a challenge when my brain barbecues itself while I'm parenting my 6-year-old. My migraines present a major obstacle when it comes to staying present (and out of bed) while cooking meals, helping with math equations, and playing hide-the-mom. Even though I know I'm not alone, suffering from migraines while parenting can leave me feeling lost and lonely. According to The Migraine Research Foundation, 12% of the population suffers from migraines. Clearly, there are other parents out there microwaving dinners and calling in their trusted back-up. For my migraine mom and dads, I know you get me. It's not just a bad headache. Migraine pain leaves me incapacitated with nausea, vomiting, and... Read more

The Weight of Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Pain Isn't to Blame for Other Migraine Symptoms

Kerrie Smyres- The pain of migraine often gets credit for the mood changes, fatigue, and brain fog that can accompany a migraine attack. Yet these are actually migraine symptoms that are separate from the pain. They can be present even when the pain of a migraine attack is mild or even nonexistent. Read more

Collecting Migraine Symptoms

Lisa Robin Benson- Sometimes it can feel like our migraine attacks can't get any worse, and then all of a sudden we're dealing with a new symptom. One of our contributors, Lisa Benson, shares a story of a new migraine symptom she recently experienced. You should always bring up any new symptoms with your doctor. Have your migraines changed over the years... Read more

Preventing Weather-Related Migraine Attacks

Holly Harding- From light and sounds to stress, there are many triggers that are avoidable. What do we do about the triggers we can't avoid? Weather/barometric pressure changes are triggers that are unavoidable. What can be done to prevent the unpreventable? Please share any strategies you have learned to prevent or treat weather-related migraine attacks... Read more

Talking to Your Doctor About New Treatment Options for Migraines

Editorial Team- Malcolm Gladwell calls them the early adopters. Some folks are the first to try whatever is newest to the market-in our case, the CGRPs, or calcitonin gene-related peptides. New as of the last couple years, they have become some of the most sought-after treatments in the migraine community. We wanted to know where you stood when it comes to new medications. Are you more in favor of CGRPs? Or happier with what was already on the market? To hear more about what's working for you, we reached... Read more

How Naproxen Sodium Turned Me into a Super Spy

Sawyer Matheny- Despite what my inner-child would like to argue, there are few things that myself and this famous English super-spy have in common. Since I'm not sure if I can use this very famous copyrighted spy character's very famous name...we'll go with "Bames Jond." So Bames Jond has several tools in his arsenal to covertly take out his targets in the quickest and uselessly coolest of ways, whether it's a watch that shoots darts, or a pen that can listen in, a spy is only as good... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Old Story, but Familiar to So Many

I will try and keep this short as possible. I suffer from chronic near-daily migraines. They have gotten worse, the older I am. I turned 60 this past June. I have had them all of my adult life. I have a picture of when my wife and I were first married, and she and her brothers and sister wanted a picture for her parents. Looking back at the picture, I was white as a ghost. I had a 9 level migraine. After that, my wife had bought us tickets to see Gallagher here in our small city, something that we always try to do, attend the various concerts, etc. I never got to, in a previous life. I actually must give that a caveat. I got to... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How important is following a daily routine for managing your migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Very helpful

□ Somewhat helpful

□ Somewhat unhelpful

□ Very unhelpful

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Person adjusts thermostat down to icy cold snowflake temperatures

A Dark Room And Other Ways To Migraine Proof Your Space

Tonilyn Hornung- After years of dealing with migraines, I know exactly how my room needs to be to function in order to survive my head pain and provide a little relief. A dark room is just one component of a successful migraine hide-out. Here are three more tips for migraine-proofing your room... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

5 Ways to Support Someone with Cluster Headaches

Ashley Hattle- My husband and I have a unique perspective on supporting someone living with episodic and chronic cluster headaches. He has intractable chronic cluster headaches, and I have episodic cluster headaches. We have both lost relationships, friendships, and close ties to family members because of how they treated us during and after attacks. In the four and a half years we've been together, we've worked hard to be there for whatever the other needs. We met at a conference for patients by a nonprofit organization called... Read more

Managing Stress with Migraines

Amanda Workman- When it comes to my migraines, stress is a massive trigger. Unfortunately, I have a lot of stress in my life. Learning to balance stress has become an important component of managing my migraines. One of the biggest stressors in my life comes from financial issues. I have a fixed income, which puts restrictions on my daily life. Even people without medical issues that are on a fixed income, must balance their income with the general cost of living expenses. Keeping a detailed budget to review... Read more

Why I Prescribe Advocacy for Migraine

Dr. William B. Young- Yes, an old dog can learn new tricks. After 30 years of practice, I have added a new prescription for many of my patients: Rx - migraine advocacy. Let me elaborate. For years and decades, people with disabling migraine suffer endless micro-aggressions from, well, almost everyone. "Can't you figure out your triggers? Why didn't you take care of yourself? Here is why it is good for people with migraine. Advocacy is the strongest antidote to self-stigma and... Read more

Do You Dry Brush?

Alene Brennan- I first heard about dry brushing during my yoga teacher training. It's a practice from Ayurvedic medicine - a 5,000-year-old sister science of yoga. It's touted to offer a lot of benefits including exfoliating the skin, improving detoxication pathways in the body, and reducing cellulite. But I recently heard some fellow headache and migraine sufferers getting some relief from the practice. It appears that it's mostly with addressing tension, and I have to admit I find the practice itself to be relaxing so that in and of itself... Read more

Trying New Treatments

Kerrie Smyres- Trying new migraine treatments makes my list of New Year's resolutions every year. I start excited by the possibilities and want to jump in and try all the possibilities at once. In the many years in which migraine has been my constant companion, I've learned the value of trying one new treatment at a time. Starting each treatment on its own can be slow and frustrating, especially when you're desperate for relief, but it's the only way to truly know what's working and what's not... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Girl in that Cap

I was diagnosed with chronic migraine when I was only 9 years old. It was a constant reason for a lack of confidence for my appearance of a geeky child with humongous spectacles and shock for my supportive parents who saw me cry with constant blackouts whenever I used to go for badminton tryouts or complete an exam of long duration as I grew up. All those hallucinations and aura events made me feel somewhat less normal than others. Wearing a cap, sunglasses, and an umbrella in beaches meant for a fun outing. My social circle calling me names for my lack of participation in activities in parties and events, for fear of... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
As a person living with migraine are there any words or descriptions that piss you off/grind your gears/frustrate you?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes. Share in the comments!

□ No

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Person deciding which button to choose in brain; decision making, choices, thinking, how to think, new perspective, change, good bad, thought process Female, white, adult.

Choosing How to Respond to Migraine

Holly Harding Baddour- Those of us who have migraine don't have a choice in the matter. We also don't have control over when a migraine attack hits or how long it lasts. Flare-ups often occur out of nowhere and knock us off our feet for hours to days at a time. The condition can be so intense that we can feel out of control in the way our bodies respond. We may be violently ill, vomiting relentlessly, incapable of speaking coherently, shaking from pain or weakness, and unable to see clearly due to not being able to handle any light, sounds, or smells.?Living with a condition where so much of life is out of our control can feel disconcerting... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Hashin' for Compassion

Sawyer Matheny- Weirdly enough, I can only really remember one person also having migraine growing up. If memory serves, it was my high school band teacher. I remember her talking about herself having migraine and I felt this tiny part of me light up. Some people feel this way, too? I mean, finally! This was somebody I already knew, and once I was diagnosed during my senior year, nothing was stopping me from being able to talk about it, get advice, and finally feel like I really... Read more

Mental Health Month 2020: Not Just In Your Head

Editorial Team- For a long time, we said mental health happens in the mind and the body is just along for the ride. People who've experienced stress, anxiety, depression, or even minor emotional challenges know this isn't the case. There are lots of ways our environment affects how we think and feel, both mentally and physically. For Mental Health Month 2020, we're working on mental and physical health together. Over the next few weeks, think about feeding your body and your mind as best you can... Read more

How I Transitioned to Integrative Care for Migraine: Part 2

Alene Brennan- Hopefully, you've had an opportunity to check out the first installment of this integrative series. If not, you can get caught up in Part 1 of this article. Again, there wasn't an existing playbook to create an integrative plan to manage migraine but I knew diet and lifestyle were contributing factors that were in my control so that's where I began. Now, let's continue on with details on these steps. Next up was tracking my sleep. Who knew that sleep could actually trigger a migraine? Turns out... Read more

Nature's Impact on Our Physical & Mental Health

Editorial Team- There is growing evidence that spending time in nature can help people feel less depressed, anxious or stressed. Maintaining our connection to nature can improve one's quality of life and emotional health in many ways. Enjoying green spaces can help reduce stress in the moment, and it can make it easier to recover from stress in the future. Living in a city has many benefits but it can make it harder to connect to nature. Living in urban environments, lots of screen time, and more time... Read more

10 Things You Should Know About Chronic Migraines and Applying for Social Security Disability

Diana-Lee- Here are 10 things to know about chronic migraines and applying for social security disability: 1. Focus on how your health issues prevent you from working. Social Security does not care how sick you are; rather, they need to know why and how you are prevented from working. Further, you must be unable to perform any work, not just the work you have been doing or have been educated or trained to perform... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
What I Don't Eat Saved Me

After 2 clinical trials, it''s obvious that hemiplegic migraines for me are caused only by what I eat. For 30 years I have avoided processed protein (hydrolyzed protein, concentrated protein, texturized protein), MSG, and aspartame- even in chewing gum or pills. 100% migraine-free until I eat something by mistake. This requires lots of label-reading and refusal to eat anything until I know... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you ever had a telehealth appointment?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Not yet, but I plan to

□ I do not recall

View on the web here.

Person's hand hanging off of bed; pain, sadness, frustration, lying in bed, immobile, debilitating, tennis racket on floor, sun light through window, bedroom, exercise, grief, woes, depression, migraine headache attack. White, female, adult.

How to Manage Let-Down Migraine

Alene Brennan- We know that stress is harmful to the body. It can have all kinds of negative impacts on the body from increased blood pressure and headaches to weight gain and stomach ulcers. Yet, stress is a part of life. It's not something that we can escape, the key is to manage it. Adding in a summer vacation might even sound like a great remedy. But what happens when your headaches are actually triggered by the rest and relaxation? That's the tailspin I found myself in with let-down migraines. The body gets through the period of stress but as soon as it starts to shift into relaxation a migraine is triggered. I got migraines like clockwork when I was a kid - every Saturday morning, every vacation, every significant moment of relaxation. It felt... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Overcoming Exercise-Triggered Migraine Attacks: One Woman's Story

Kerrie Smyres- My friend Beth's exercise-triggered migraine attacks were so severe that she would have to spend several days in bed with each one. Although she loved to play tennis, Beth stopped playing to avoid migraine attacks. She still had a chronic migraine but was grateful that the days-long attacks ceased after she quit playing tennis. At least at first. Over time, the severe, days-long migraine attacks became Beth's norm even though she wasn't exercising at all. She spent a year almost bedridden. Even the exertion of a slow... Read more

What Does the Trigeminal Nerve Have to Do With It?

Anna Williams- Whether you have cluster or migraine attacks, you quickly learn they are more than just a headache. One of the many parts of the head that gets triggered during an attack is the trigeminal nerve. It is truly amazing all the anatomy and physiology that I became familiar with! ? Since I have cluster attacks, migraine attacks, and trigeminal neuralgia; I have gotten good at understanding how they interact with each other. Whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia, understanding the trigeminal nerve will... Read more

My Experience with Biofeedback

Tom Picerno- I am a chronic migraineur, but that is not what defines me. I have been suffering with migraine disease since my teens. I was episodic at first and over time I've transformed into a chronic migraineur. I've been on dozens ofmedications as well as trying to find relief in non- pharmacological therapies. The drugs all too often yield side effects that are worse than the disease at times so when there is a therapy regimen that is drug-free, that gets my attention. I recently... Read more

Preparing for A Virtual Visit with Your Doctor

Editorial Team- Visiting your doctor online is a great way to get healthcare if you are not able to go in person. You can get medical advice, visual assessments, treatments, or update your doctor about a long-term issue. This can happen over a video chat, phone call, email, or text. However it happens, a virtual visit lets you get care from the comfort of your own home without having to travel. If virtual care is new to you and your doctor, you may need to prepare yourself. Knowing... Read more

The Challenge of Being There for Loved Ones in Need While Being in Need

Holly Harding Baddour- We all want to come through for our loved ones in times of need. The hardest thing about my migraine disease, honestly harder than the pain itself, is when I'm unable to be there for my family and friends when they are struggling. My mother recently had hip replacement surgery. The surgery happened to come smack dab in the midst of an intractable, month-long migraine attack.?I am so close to my mom and I had planned to be there for her all the way through her... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
What a Relief

I suffered migraine since 19 yrs old and now I''m 42. At 42 only finally a doctor recommend me Ergotamine. I was so thankful to the doctor because now when I received a signal that my migraine is going to attack I pop this medicine and it will disappear. I hope you guys found medicines that can stop because I know every individual is not the same taking one medicine. Now everywhere I go Ergotamine will be with me. Just wondering after all these year''s why do doctors not ask me to try ergotamine... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How quickly do your migraine attacks recur after taking medication?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ They don't recur

□ 1 hour

□ 2 hours

□ 4 hours

□ 6 hours +

View on the web here.

$Person with cluster migraine headache eye ache pain sees light at the end of the tunnel; fractals of pain, sharp sensation, hope, guidance, seeing forward. Male, adult, POC, white.$

Finding Hope When You Have Cluster Headaches

Anna Williams- Cluster headache has many names.? It is a member of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) family of headaches.? It has been referred to as Horton's Headache, after a neurologist who did work trying to understand it.? However, there is one name that instantly evokes an emotional response, Suicide Headache.?This characterizes them well because those who live with these attacks are 20 times more likely to commit suicide.? The intense pain that strikes day after day, night after night while the person is in cycle is overwhelming. Oftentimes, patients go through misdiagnosis, struggling to find a doctor who can recognize the symptoms of cluster attacks, and finding possible treatment options.? Oxygen, Emgality, and off-label treatment options Oxygen is the safest and most successful way of aborting an attack, yet doctors, insurance companies and oxygen... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Tips for Managing an Increase in Migraine Attacks

Kerrie Smyres- How do you manage a sudden uptick in migraine attacks? I've been asking myself this as I've wrestled with stress-triggered attacks for the last few months. After hearing that many others have also had a sharp increase in their attack frequency, the Migraine.com team crowdsourced the question on Facebook. Many of your responses resonated with my own experience. Here are some suggestions for managing a sudden increase in attacks. Purpleproject said, "Since I'm able to... Read more

The Myriad Warning Signs of a Migraine

Editorial Team- It is both a blessing and a curse that the warning signs for migraine become so obvious to those who have lived with the condition for years. So many of the symptoms are things that our friends, family, and coworkers likely don't understand. But, as it turns out, many of these symptoms may, in fact, all be "normal". Kerrie Smyres detailed her experiences in her piece, "Prodrome: Migraine Warning Signs," which sparked much reaction and feedback. Nearly 500 community members commented, sharing their own experiences about... Read more

What If We Thought About Work Differently?

Kyky Knight- Earlier this week, I woke up with undoubtedly the worst migraine I have had in a really long time.?I couldn't hold my eyes open, pain pounded throughout my teeth, my scalp felt sensitive with a burning sensation, my jaws hurt, I felt incredibly nauseous, and my body felt as though a truck had been dropped onto it. I barely mustered up an affirmation to my caretaker when they asked if they could provide me with a cold pack and water. To make matters worse, I... Read more

Satisfying Smoothies

Alene Brennan- The biggest mistake people make with smoothies is only focusing on the fruit. Fruit is all carbohydrates and sugar - something that can create imbalances in your blood. As a nutrition coach, I hear clients talk about how much they like the idea of having a smoothie - and they even like the taste of them - however, they don't always keep them feeling full. In some cases, they actually make the individual more tired. So, what gives? Smoothies are supposed to be healthy and satisfying right... Read more

Mental Health and Migraine - It's OK To Ask For Help

Kelly J.- Help. It's not a dirty word. It's also not an easy word. If you or someone you know have experienced emotional distress, to get general information on mental health, and to locate treatment services in your area, contact SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline ... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Be Persistent

Long story short..severe migraines worsened from ages 18 yrs old to 40. Oh no tests or worries from multiple doctors in my Province of Ontario...just pill after pill and trips to ER! When I finally lost my vision and had to take disability leave from work I was given an MRI...behold 3 brain tumors! The rest is boring. MY POINT is don't take no for an answer, demand attention, waiting makes it worse, hopefully, it's not tumor's but GET TESTED... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you wish others knew the true impact of migraine and headache disorders?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes! (Take our survey to share more)

□ No, not really

□ I do, but I don\'t know-how!

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

A map with multiple X's marking spots and a hand holding binoculars

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Editorial Team- Migraine is different for everyone, so treatments that work for one person may not work for you. It is important to understand all of your options, and discuss them with your doctor or specialist. Not sure where to begin? Wondering what treatment to try next? Trouble tracking treatments tried? Our Migraine Treatment Roadmap may help... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Sunglasses in the Snow

Sawyer Matheny- The makeup in dusty is a zillion-dollar franchise that has purchase all over the world. From Ru Paul to Mary Kay, Fashion and the wonders of makeup make-up an enormous part of the entertainment industry. I've dabbled. As a stage performer, we were meticulously taught how to put on eye-shadow and eyeliner. How to contour in order to highlight and contrast your features so they'd be seen by the back row! In college, we didn't get makeup people, so I had to get very intimate with... Read more

Sometimes I Just Need a Break

Alene Brennan- Do you ever need a break from being "sick?" Unless you're living with a chronic illness like migraines firsthand, it's hard to understand the true weight it carries in your life. It can feel inescapable. You have days where you're lying in bed waiting for the pain to go away. And then even on your good days, your energy is consumed with the healthy habits that will hopefully help you to avoid future migraines. That's why I needed a break. Of course, the reality isn't so simple... Read more

Three Strange Things that Ease my Migraine Pain

Lisa Robin Benson- Recently, I wrote about coping tools I use for migraine that I try not to take for granted. In addition to medications, lifestyle adjustments, and other work I continuously do to manage my disease, I have found several ways to cope when an attack inevitable breaks through my best efforts. They include ice packs, air conditioning, meditation, sleep, and tinted glasses. But during an attack last week I noticed that there are a few things that accidentally helped me feel better... Read more

The Empowerment of Taking Control of Your Cluster Headaches

Ashley Hattle- The first time you have a cluster headache attack, you may feel like you're having an aneurysm-that you are dying-because surely this amount of pain that comes on so suddenly would kill you, or at least make you pass out. But somehow, you survive the up to 3-hour ordeal. You look back over your time in agony in complete disbelief. What was that? Did it really hurt that badly??For me, a sort of switch flipped in my head after my first attack... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
What I Wish People Knew About My Invisible Illness

I have had migraine with aura for almost 40 years now, and I have been managing to function, with a demanding job, but it has not been easy. What I wish people knew is that even between headaches, I don''t always feel well. I often know that I migraine is coming when I get the sensation of... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How often do you have trouble sleeping?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Never

□ Rarely

□ Sometimes

□ Often

□ Always

View on the web here.

Brain fog plus fatigue difficulty sleeping does not equal pain meter. Separate symptoms, not caused by head pain.

Pain Isn't to Blame for Other Migraine Symptoms

Kerrie Smyres- The pain of migraine often gets credit for the mood changes, fatigue, and brain fog that can accompany a migraine attack. Yet these are actually migraine symptoms that are separate from the pain. They can be present even when the pain of a migraine attack is mild or even nonexistent... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Turning a Negative Care Experience into an Advocacy Win

Ashley Hattle- I recently wrote about how to treat cluster headaches during pregnancy?and the pain relief I've achieved with high flow oxygen therapy. I'm now eight weeks into an episodic cluster headache cycle that started at the dawn of the second trimester. Cluster headache patients face many barriers when it comes to getting the correct diagnosis, let alone finding a proper treatment plan complete with abortive and preventive medications. What we often forget about is the "middle man" involved in getting those treatments. That could be your... Read more

Migraines Don't Take Vacations

Kelly J.- Recently I sat down after going on vacation to a cottage up north and wrote down all my triggers that instigate migraines when I go outdoors. It turns out I have a lot more than I thought. Overall, it was a peaceful vacation, but I still noticed more migraine activity with some of the things I'll talk about below. My list quickly became lengthy; it wasn't what I expected. Insect repellant and essential oil spray to "keep all bugs away" - it will also keep a lot... Read more

Migraine Hangover

Tom Picerno- I've been experiencing migraine for over thirty years. I started, as many of us do, as an episodic migraine sufferer who then progressed over time into a chronic migraineur. I have been chronic for the past ten years. I've seen dozens of doctors and taken more pills than I'd care to mention in the journey to getting my migraines under control. My main symptom that has always been focused on is the pain from an attack. It was a huge symptom and many times it... Read more

My Chronic Migraine and Comorbidities

Amanda Workman- There have been many comorbid conditions tied to chronic migraine over the years. Most individuals I have encountered through work with various chronic migraine organizations have suffered from additional ailments. In my life alone I have dealt with multiple health conditions that throughout research seem to be linked to one another. Personally, I deal with chronic migraine, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia. I still find it astonishing that so many health issues can be connected this way. My migraines went from being episodic to chronic in... Read more

What's Your Secret Disguise

Holly Harding Baddour- In the following video, Holly discusses the many ways that we, as migraineurs, play dress-up to protect ourselves from migraine. Even when there's not any sun out, we are often the only ones wearing sunglasses and hats! What is your secret disguise that might tip off a fellow migraineur that you, too, are under the thumb of a migraine? Let us hear from you in the comment section below... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Hemiplegic Migraine

I suffer from hemiplegic migraines about 5 yrs ago I was rushed into hospital with symptoms of a stroke, I lost all feeling down my left-hand side of my body and my face drooped down on the left-hand side I had CT scans. At first, they thought it was a TIA, same symptoms happened 2 more times rushed in hospital, etc. After the 3rd time, they told me it was hemiplegic migraines, I still get all symptoms I've described with horrendous headaches. I've had many medications without any good outcome. I've been having Botox injections for the last 12 months.i have then every 3 months they don't take away the migraines but definitely help. Does anyone else suffer from these kinds of... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How important is following a daily routine for managing your migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Very helpful

□ Somewhat helpful

□ Somewhat unhelpful

□ Very unhelpful

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Trying New Treatments

Kerrie Smyres- Trying new migraine treatments makes my list of resolutions every year. I start each year excited by the possibilities and want to jump in and try all the possibilities at once. In the many years in which migraine has been my constant companion, I've learned the value of trying one new treatment at a time. Starting each treatment on its own can be slow and frustrating, especially when you're desperate for relief, but it's the only way to truly know what's working and what's not, what the side effects of each treatment are, and whether spending that time and/or money is... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

The Four Steps I Take When My Migraine Starts

Tonilyn Hornung- I have a small window. Truth be told, it's more like a tiny porthole window than a big bay window. When the twinges of my migraine first begin, I have a small window of time to send it back into the void from which it came. If I miss my window, then I'm doomed to keeping my own bedroom windows shut-tight and the blinds closed until it sets me free. From the time I feel those first hot-pangs of head pain, I know it takes 90-minutes... Read more

Constant Cancellations - The Rare Friend Who Can Navigate Chronic Migraine

Holly Harding- It's a rare find: the friend who can handle all the idiosyncrasies that come with chronic migraine. The requests to find a quiet restaurant, to choose the chair that faces away from a bright window or light, to avoid certain foods, and to put up with endless last-minute cancellations can challenge and confuse even the most patient and kind person. ? For the friend of a migraineur, becoming knowledgeable about the many triggers can feel like a job in itself, with sensitivity to light, sound, smells,... Read more

Cluster Headaches and the Real Fear of Sleep

Anna Williams- There is an insidious relationship between cluster headache attacks and sleep.?Cluster attacks have a pain intensity considered "The most painful condition known to man" as well?as the nickname "suicide headaches."? These attacks can occur at any time of day or night, though often the attacks are nocturnal and occur most frequently in the hour of 2 am. Between these two reasons alone, it is no wonder that those who have cluster headaches do not have a healthy relationship with sleep... Read more

Migraine Patient Turned Injury Caretaker

Kyky Knight- Sometimes, I don't know what I would do without my caretaker. From knowing just what to do when a familiar migraine attack comes on to provide me with comfort, affirmation, and encouragement through daily pain with chronic migraine, my caretaker is literally my rock. Even though they hear me express feelings of despair over pain every single day, they still listen intently. Even though I have asked them a million and one times to please get me an ice pack and my medication, they still... Read more

Have You Tried Oil Anchoring?

Alene Brennan- Anyone living with a chronic illness like migraines can attest to the range of emotions that come along with it. You have migraine-free days. You have migraine days. And sometimes you have completely debilitating migraine days. That roller coaster can start to mess with your mindset and emotions. That's why I started exploring different ways in which I could support my emotional health. Essentials oils were my first stop and I haven't need to explore any further. I have been having a lot of fun experiencing... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
No Freedom Always a Prisoner

At the age of 4-6 years old my mother was told I have a seizures disorder and was put on Depakote among other seizure medications to try throughout the many years. As I got older I was able to investigate and seek medical help by myself for my in quote "seizures", so at the age of 27 I went and got tested again for seizures because I wasn''t satisfied with believing what I had was seizures, there was NO WAY I believed what I was diagnosed with was the correct diagnosis... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you taken our Connected Health Survey?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes!

□ Not yet

□ I\'m not sure

View on the web here.

Person wearing hat, Theraspecs sunglasses, umbrella, rain. Hiding, disguise White, female, adult.

What's Your Secret Disguise

Holly Harding Baddour- There are many ways that we, as migraineurs, play dress-up to protect ourselves from migraine. Even when there's not any sun out, we are often the only ones wearing sunglasses and hats! What is your secret disguise that might tip off a fellow migraineur that you, too, are under the thumb of a migraine... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

I'm Too Tired

Kelly J.- I'm too tired to tell you I can't today. I'm too tired to explain why I can't come (again). I'm too tired to lift my head off this tear-stained pillow to give today another try. I'm too tired to get up and try to start a day that I know will end in misery, tears, and frustration from my family for simply not doing enough. The ones where it took 6 weeks to authorize. I'm sick of the step-therapy. I'm sick of my abortive pills being... Read more

Carving Out A New Care Relationship

Kyky Knight- Some folks in the community may remember that I previously wrote about my long time caregiver and partner leaving, after a season during which I'd gotten very sick with comorbidities including migraine. One of the reasons they cited for leaving during that time was having to give so much support to me as a person living with multiple chronic conditions while not being able to pour into them-self.?It took me many months to fully understand and cope with that loss, and many more to viscerally... Read more

My Hemiplegic "Roommate"

Sawyer Matheny- Migraines, from my experience, are like roommates. They're all dumpy. Sorry, let me explain. I haven't had the best luck in roommates. Some would play video games in the dead of night, setting up chairs in the hallway, making it impossible to hide how often I need to use the bathroom. Next, I had one who would hide under my bed and record Star-Trek-esque captains logs until I came home from classes. THEN I had a roommate who would scream obscenities and threats to his... Read more

What I Do on Sunday that Helps Reduce Migraines

Alene Brennan- Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. It helps us replenish our energy. It helps us to avoid burnout. It also allows me to binge on the latest Netflix series. While I love the idea (and the reality) of this deep rest, there's a habit that I've weaved into my Sunday routine that has been a game-changer for my week...Planning. Yup, sounds super simple and quite obvious, right? But the planning that I do for my week on Sunday actually reduces my risk... Read more

Why It's So Difficult To Ask For Help With Migraines

Tonilyn Hornung- "I can do it myself, Mom," my 6-year-old says while I zip up his coat. As my kid searches for more moments to experience his autonomy, this phrase pops up a lot. Allowing him these instances builds his confidence, but he's also learning his limitations. He seamlessly switches gears and asks for help when he needs it-unlike his mother. Asking for help is not my jam. Since I've been my son's age I've always enjoyed getting stuff done on my own?(unless we're talking math equations). It... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Help! New to What the Doctors Think Are Migraine

I'm 54 years old and have never had a migraine in my life. Rarely have I gotten headaches. 15 months ago I was at a birthday party and suddenly got very nauseous in my head and told my husband I needed to go home. I thought it was because I had eaten foods that I normally don't eat. This happened around the same time every day for the next several days. A week later I suddenly felt like someone was blowing up a balloon inside my head and it was going to pop. No pain at all just intense pressure. So much pressure in my temples and so much fullness in my ears. I couldn't even function when this was happening. Nothing helped, closing my eyes almost made... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How has migraine affected your retirement plans?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ I have to work longer

□ I retired early

□ I plan to retire early

□ It has not affected them

□ I had to go on disability instead

View on the web here.

A woman sitting on the floor hugging her knees with a content look on her face. Behind her are illustrations of friends walking, flowers and vines, and an egg sandwich on a plate. These are all self-care examples. POC

Three Types Self-Care: Preventive, Acute, and Rescue

Kerrie Smyres- Self-care sometimes gets a bad rap as a self-indulgent luxury, but it's far more than spa days. Instead of lavish pampering, self-care is about engaging in activities that recharge you to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It's a necessity for anyone to live well and is particularly important when you have migraine. Most articles take a one-size-fits-all approach to self-care, but for those of us with migraine, self-care needs change from one day to the next. As with migraine medication, I think of self-care in three categories: preventive, acute, and rescue. My migraine level on a particular day (or in a particular hour!) determines the kind of self-care I need. Here's what that looks like for me. My preventive self-care is everything I do on a day-to-day basis... Read more

Migraine Explorer

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Managing a Multi-Day Intractable Migraine Attack

Holly Harding Baddour- It takes just a few consecutive days of being down for the count with an intractable migraine attack before we begin to lose perspective. The intense and severe pain completely removes us from our lives and is akin to having the wind knocked out of the body. It's disconcerting and causes us to lose our place. Even the most emotionally balanced of us can lose hope. Will it ever get better? The pain is so comprehensive, encompassing, and attention-stealing, that we can barely recall feeling well,... Read more

What's in Your Toolbox?

Shoshana Lipson- I recently had the privilege of attending a physicians' nutraceuticals conference and was fascinated by the depth of knowledge by the speakers. Bearing in mind that I'm neither a doctor nor a scientist, I'm not going to try and explain the details of everything that was taught there but rather focus on the most frequently asked questions: Which vitamins or supplements might make a difference in managing my migraine? Is there any evidence that these might help some people? How will I know if they are helping me? Due... Read more

Dieting and Migraine: Friend or Foe?

Lisa Robin Benson- This past year, I was on a mission to lose weight. I talk, in a video below, how that affected my migraine attack frequency. Below my video, you can also read many comments from our community on how diet affects them! "I have found that dieting of any kind increases my migraines. They are worse during the start of the diet then become daily but more manageable migraines." "If I don't eat often I get sicker." "Not eating regularly affects my migraine." "If I don't eat, I get a... Read more

My Experience with Nerivio

Tom Picerno- I have tried numerous forms of therapy to help treat and manage my migraine disease. I make it a point to cover any new treatment options when I visit my neurologist, and this past appointment was no exception. I was surprised to hear that there was a new therapy option that she could offer me that was not a medication. She presented me with a sample Nerivio device and covered how it worked as well as the pricing. Nerivio is a neuromodulation device that you... Read more

Complementary Treatments to Migraine: Part 2

Alene Brennan- In Part 1 of this series, we explored the option of essential oils for managing migraines. But we know that's just scratching the surface in terms of complementary treatments. Let's keep digging in, shall we? From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, much of our health is determined by our body's ability to freely circulate energy - or chi as it's known in TCM. This energy is believed to run along our meridians - a network throughout our whole body. This isn't stuff that you can... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
It Went From Bad to Worse....

In my early 20''s, I started out having a few migraines a month. My doctor did not make a big deal of it and put it to stress after surviving a life-threatening illness and trying to settle back into a normal life, after 8 months in the hospital for a serious gastrointestinal (GI) disease. As the years progressed, my migraines got more intense and more often. My primary doctor finally sent me to a migraine specialist. As soon as he saw my labs, and the fact that my glucose was slightly high (I''m a Type 1 diabetic, and he did not tell me to fast), he was sure it was a side effect of my diabetes and told me to see my endocrinologist-but my fasting Labs proved otherwise, but... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you have a question to ask the Migraine.com community?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ Not at this time

□ Unsure

View on the web here.

Person wrapping in ball and chain struggling to move on floor. Isolation, depression, pain, shame, agony. Female, white, POC, adult.

The Weight of Migraine

Tom Picerno- It's hard living with chronic illness especially one that causes pain. There are thousands of us who do just that every day of our lives. We fight the invisible illness called migraine. As I sit and write this I am suffering from a migraine, but I am strong and will persevere as I do quite often. It can be challenging to explain to a non-sufferer just what we are feeling and experiencing. Many times it goes beyond the pain, nausea, and other symptoms. We experience guilt, shame, and loneliness among other feelings that we all to often internalize. Why do we experience guilt? We did not intentionally bring on a migraine attack, or set ourselves up to experience a day-long series of prodrome symptoms. I suppose it's because we feel that... Read more

Who's in Control: Migraine or Me?

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

The Day I Learned Migraines Weren't My Fault

Tonilyn Hornung- I can admit when I'm wrong. Like the time I permed my hair in high school so I could look like a member of the band White Snake - that was wrong. And I was definitely wrong the time I told my husband he should...um...well...I'm sure I'll think of something. The point is, I can freely admit when things are my fault. This is why I was quick to believe migraines were my fault too. It was easy for me to jump aboard... Read more

How Loved Ones Can Help

Holly Harding Baddour- If and when we are blessed with a support system that wants to assist us in our migraine journey, those wonderful people might need guidance as to the best way to lend a hand. ? Holly invites you to share things that loved ones can say or do to best support and assist you in your life with migraine. She shares the strategies that help her the most including friends and family members insisting upon (rather than asking permission for) helping... Read more

4 Summertime Triggers and Their Migraine-Friendly Alternatives

Sarah Hackley- Summertime can be a nice time of year but also comes with some potential migraine triggers. Sunscreen is a major trigger for some migraineurs, and with the smells, the chemicals, the accidentally-spray-in-your-face method of delivery, it's easy to see why. Thankfully, there's an alternative out there for whatever might be bothering you. Scent of sunscreen as a migraine trigger If you think it's the smell, you may want to opt for something very simple (like a zinc oxide lotion) or a brand that tends to be less "smelly"... Read more

The Science of Migraine and Stress

Jaime Sanders- The connection between migraine and stress has been recognized for centuries and is as relevant as ever. Acute migraine attacks often cause sufferers to feel anxious and stressed, while on the other side, anxiety, stress, and even post-stress are some of the most common triggers of migraine. Migraine sufferers often describe stressful events such as work pressure, debts, difficulties at home, sickness, divorce period, and social isolation as triggers of migraine attacks. Additionally, these stresses are often key contributors to a progression... Read more

WithCove: An Online Migraine Service

Amanda Workman- When trying to manage the various aspects of chronic migraine, many individuals struggle with getting medications while being uninsured or underinsured. Due to modern technology and a surge in telemedicine, new services have become available to this group of individuals afflicted with chronic migraine. One of these services is called WithCove. They provide medications that help with migraine without dealing with insurance. This is a major help for people who do not have insurance coverage... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Do you love green?

Recent studies on green light therapy have me reflecting on this. I personally gravitate toward green home decor, linens, etc. as well as muted earth tones, but mostly green And there is much research showing time in nature, green spaces, is therapeutic for many conditions. I was wondering if anyone else has "accidentally", subconsciously, or even purposefully created a green-toned world for themself? Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Is migraine one of your comorbidities?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Person within phone app picks triggers including sunlight, exercise, chocolate, sleep, pillow, moon, wine glass, blocks. Female, adult, ambiguous

Migraine Triggers Part 2: Where Do We Go From Here?

Shoshana Lipson- Figuring out our individual migraine triggers can be a really challenging riddle. Life would be so much easier for us if this were simple. As with most things' migraine, it's complex and often confusing. It can be tempting to give up on it! However, discovering our triggers is a crucial part of learning to better manage this disease. It also helps us to understand what is going on in our bodies. That understanding helps to give us back just a little bit of the control. Control that this disease has a nasty habit of taking away... Read more

Who's in Control: Migraine or Me?

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Tips to Surviving Cluster Headaches During the Holidays

Ashley Hattle- The holiday season is difficult when you have a chronic illness, especially an invisible one. People with episodic cluster headaches tend to go into cycle in the Fall. You could have several attacks a day through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Most of us have at least one friend or family member who thinks "it can't be that bad," which may make your holiday experience even more intimidating. Millions of people travel every year over the holiday season. But the pandemic is keeping many at... Read more

Increased Body Awareness From My Migraine Medication?

Lisa Robin Benson- I noticed recently I had honed a very important skill: body awareness. I talk about how my migraine medication played a role in this development over the last ten years or so in the... Read more

How to Handle the Emergency Department for Cluster Headaches

Ashley Hattle- The first time someone has a cluster headache attack, it may send them to the emergency room (ER). It's common and recommended for anyone experiencing a new, severe, sudden-onset headache to seek help in the emergency department. A new headache type could be a warning sign of a life-threatening health concern such as a brain tumor or aneurysm. If you don't have a diagnosis, some protocols need to happen to rule out these issues, including an MRI. If you do have a cluster headache... Read more

Seasonal Migraine - Back With A Vengeance

Kelly J.- Recently, I've been having a lot of issues with my endometriosis flaring up. To be frank, when I struggle with my endo, I struggle with hormonal migraines and my IBD gets a lot worse. You know, the inflammation train - it just never wants to stop with one organ or system in the body. This weekend we went away up north to get a little rest and relaxation. We tried not to rush it, but with all, we have going on in our... Read more

Frustration With My Stinkin' Triggers!

Sawyer Matheny- I find it wild that I can be so sensitive to light. It's synonymous with life and growth. It helps crops flourish and keeps people all over the world illuminated. Sometimes, when I think about, I feel like my triggers can be ridiculous. I mean here I am, a human being, who gets triggered when sunlight aggressively peeks out from behind a tree. When sunlight peers out from behind trees, or anything fairly vertical, especially when there is a... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
A Quick Adjustment Is What the Doctor Ordered

I remember the first time I entered the chiropractic clinic. I was at a point I could not drive, not really talk and if someone had pointed a gun at me, I would have helped them aim it I was so miserable. The professionals there took x-rays of me, looked at them, had me lay on their table, and in 30 seconds, each one punctuated with a pop from my back and neck, I was free of pain. It was like a switch had flipped on. Thoughts freely flowed through me, I could tell people about those thoughts and I could go back to work that day and the best thing, no real side effects from the treatment. The clinic signed me up for a year of care and... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you have an unanswered question about migraine?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ Not at this time

View on the web here.

Prodrome, It's Just the Beginning

Tom Picerno- Prodrome is the first stage of symptoms for a migraine attack. It can start hours or even days before the attack begins. It is subtle and often creeps into our lives without being immediately noticed. There is a laundry list of symptoms that can be part of this phase, and here are just a few to them: irritability, yawning, food cravings, light sensitivity, fatigue, muscle stiffness, nausea, and difficulty with reading and speaking. For me, I identify with yawning excessively and the muscle stiffness combined with fatigue. Even though I know these are prodrome symptoms I still don't always catch on until I get into the aura phase of an attack or the attack itself. I've had migraine for several years and have undergone countless tests. There is the constant prodding... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Migraine Etiquette: 8 Ways To Be An Awesome Migraine Supporter

Tonilyn Hornung- My family has superpowers. While they can't leap over tall buildings in a single bound, they can read my mind. Their super-duper mind-reading powers go into effect when I have a super-duper migraine. When my brain begins to boil, the only way to settle the simmering is for me to lie still and speechless in bed. Speaking while migraining brings on a pain akin to dropping bowling balls on my head. Always on the lookout for ways not to draw any more spares, my husband... Read more

Nothing Wrong With a "Party Pooper"?

Sawyer Matheny- Graduating college was probably one of the highest achievements that I've ever accomplished. I was never a great student growing up, but I was determined and charismatic enough to make a lot of friends and do well in my creative courses. So, naturally, I got a degree in theatre. Being a theatre student in college felt, often, like an extension of being a drama kid in high school. The drama kids were always very, well, dramatic. We consisted of a tight-knit circle of creative outcasts and... Read more

Miles for Migraine Experience

Tom Picerno- I had the honor of taking part in the Tampa area Miles for Migraine awareness event just recently. It was a wonderful experience, and it was so nice to see so many migraineurs, doctors, and other supporters joined to raise awareness of migraine disease. There were many sponsors there as well, showing their support and what they offered to the community to help manage migraine. They had a two-mile walk or a five-kilometer run for the participants. My wife, daughter and I chose the walking... Read more

Complementary Treatments to Migraine: Part 1

Alene Brennan- There's no doubt that the healthcare system here in the US needs a complete overhaul. Doctors are pressured to manage chronic illness patients in 15-minute appointments and?they're trained almost exclusively in medication and surgical procedures. While it will take time for the true overhaul our healthcare system needs, our population is facing a surmounting number of people diagnosed with chronic illnesses many of which are diet and lifestyle-related. Many people are starting to look outside of traditional medicine to manage their health needs. Some people don't like... Read more

But Wait, There's More! Nurtec ODT Joins the Migraine Landscape!

Shoshana Lipson- The past two years have seen some amazing developments in the migraine treatment landscape. Even so, as a migraine patient, nothing prepared me for the air of excitement that has been created in the past four months. Maybe, like me, you can relate to the phrase we see so often with new products being shared on TV: "But wait, there's more!" This has never more so been the case than with the surprise FDA approval of Nurtec ODT, also known as rimegepant, on February 27... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Pain Is Real, but Life Is Good.

I have written my story before, telling how I have had migraines since becoming an adult. And suffering until finally ending up on SSD or disability, due to both migraines, and also to a bad back, from both breaking it in a car accident at the age of 20, and a life spent doing manual labor in a steel melt shop. And for the most part, if you look at half of the rest of us here, you will see my story. I have done everything to find a treatment plan that works, including all the neurologists in my area, then branching out to other areas. Headache clinics, Michigan State University medical center, for their opinion, and an MRA, which is basically an MRI with dye contrast, that... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you suffer from any other diseases?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ High blood pressure

□ Asthma

□ Heart disease

□ Depression

□ Diabetes

□ Other

View on the web here.

A signpost with a variety of signs and arrow pointing every which way anchored into a brain. The text reads, Migraine Awareness Month.

Awareness Month 2020: Roadmap to Migraine

Editorial Team- June is Migraine Awareness Month! Join us each day as we learn more from the community and raise awareness about all things migraine. It's too often assumed that people living with migraine don't need help and support. Our community members show that support every awareness month and every day of the year. For Migraine Awareness Month 2020, we're highlighting the stories of people living with and caring for those with migraine disease. Keep reading to discover ways that you can join us this month in spreading migraine awareness. Do your homework (win a prize!) We have plenty of prizes to give away, and one lucky community member will have a chance to win our ultimate migraine care package! Keep a lookout each week for clues and announcements on how... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

The Ritual of Having an After Migraine Ritual

Tonilyn Hornung- My son's bedtime ritual hasn't changed in years: bath, book, check for monsters under the bed, cuddles, and lights out. My husband and I have suggested changes to this tradition, but my son doesn't want to vary one step. His nighttime custom creates as much of a sense of safety as making sure there are no scary monsters under his bed. I get it. I have my own migraine-related customs. My "after migraine ritual" began as a need to create space between myself and my migraine... Read more

Combination Therapy for Migraine

Tom Picerno- I've been a migraine sufferer since my teens, but I just shrugged off the attacks back then as they were sporadic. I was too busy being a teen and I had other things on my mind such as having a social life, work-life and going to school. As I grew older and the disease began to progress I knew I needed to get serious about trying to control the growing beast. I began getting test after test done to hopefully find a cause, but also... Read more

When the Migraine Monster Touches Our Children: Part 1

Shoshana Lipson- I will never forget the day that my oldest son, Joel, called me into his room and said: "Flashy lights, mommy! I see flashy lights!" He was not quite 9 years old and my heart sank. At that time, I knew little about the hereditary risk of migraine but quickly found myself on a steep learning curve. Less than two years later, I went through the same heartbreak with my second son. The disease took on a new face, a more personal and challenging face. Now... Read more

Is Your Purse Triggering Migraine?

Alene Brennan- I love my tote bag. It fits everything. So, guess what goes in there - everything! Water bottles, snacks, book, wallet, lotion. the list is endless. As a result, that purse gets pretty heavy and starts pulling on my neck, creating tension and ultimately triggering a migraine. So, I had to break up with my tote and start using a crossbody bag. That was a game-changer! It forced me to be honest with what I truly needed in my purse and also just by nature of... Read more

Chronic Migraine and HIV

Editorial Team- When we found out that I was HIV positive, I started researching and talking to the infectious disease doctor that was assigned my case at the hospital. I had been battling chronic migraines for 9 years by the time I found out that I had HIV. The countless neurologists that I had seen over all those years never once tested me for HIV. I do understand that this is something you normally get tested for by a gynecologist. Despite this, I feel like neurologists should... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Life with migraines

I was born with Hydrocephalus which causes headaches. When I was about 18 headaches increased and I saw my primary doctor for help. I was sent to a Neurologist and tried on many multiple medications. Have migraines on a daily basis. One medication that has worked is Topromax. I had to go off of it while I was pregnant with my son. The migraines were horrible. I was told I wouldn''t be able to breastfeed because I''d have to go back on Topromax. In the years since I''ve tried other medications with Topromax. Some work, others don''t. Currently taking Topromax ER, Acetazolamide, and Naratriptain-PRN. I''ve been to the ER more times than I can count. I''ve had a few different migraine cocktails. Currently what... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Which type of articles do you enjoy reading most on Migraine.com?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Personal Stories

□ Advocacy and/or Awareness

□ Lifestyle

□ Treatment

□ Symptoms

□ Other

?

The content of this e-mail was provided by our sponsor. Migraine.com does not specifically endorse or recommend any program, product, medication, or therapy.

Having trouble reading this? View on the web at https://migraine.com/weekly/051420-M.html

Migraine.com is conducting a market research study on behalf of a sponsor to better understand perspectives of people who are currently on injectable treatments for migraine.

Click Here to See if You Qualify

If you qualify and complete the 20-30 minute survey, you will get a $30 Amazon e-gift card!

Since we are looking for specific patients, we will first ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify. You may be eligible to earn the Amazon e-gift card if you:

Are 18 years of age or older
Are a US resident
Have been diagnosed with migraine
Are currently on an injectable medication for migraine

Please note this survey link may be used only once, and it cannot be forwarded to others. Once starting the survey, you cannot save and return to it later, so please allocate enough time to complete in one sitting.

Click Here to See if You Qualify

About Migraine.com Market Research:
In addition to our own surveys that we conduct from time to time, like Migraine In America,
Migraine.com also occasionally conducts custom research studies for companies interested in
learning more about how patients feel about their products or services.

Please know that:

We will always let you know when a survey is for a market research sponsor.
Participation in market research is completely optional.
Research opportunities are limited to a set number of participants, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you try to participate after the set number of participants has been reached, you will not be able to participate in the study.
Participants may need to meet certain criteria to participate in a survey and receive the Amazon e-gift card. If you do not qualify and complete the survey, you will not receive the Amazon e-gift card.
You may only take this survey once. Surveys detected as having been taken more than once or fraudulently by an individual and/or entity will not receive an Amazon e-gift card.
We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information is stored in a secure system and will never be shared with the sponsor. Sponsors will not see or be given access to your e-mail address, and we will never tell the sponsor "Susan Smith said ..." but rather results are presented in aggregated form like "63% of respondents said ..."

Questions? Email us at Research@Migraine.com

View on the web here.

Sleeping Beauty inspired woman lays in bed behind curtain in pain. Debunked fairytale, prodrome, onset of pain, rest, difficulty moving, sleep, frustration. Female, POC, adult, white.

Prodrome: Anyone Need A Nap?

Tonilyn Hornung- Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney princess. As a child, I was enthralled by the way she could dance so effortlessly with chapeaux-wearing forest owls. It was as an adult that I truly identified with her. Namely, the way she could sleep through anything. If an evil sorceress, turning into a dragon, having epic battles with a prince in her own castle wasn't going to wake her up, then nothing was. That's totally me. When the sleepy-time prodrome phase of my migraine kicks in, a fire breathing dragon in my own living room won't rouse me. Until I suffered from migraines, this word was totes foreign to me-much like the word "totes" until my teen niece and I started texting. I discovered that "prodrome" is the term given to the... Read more

Migraine Treatment Roadmap

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

How Migraine Has Impacted My Relationship With My Long Term Partner

Kyky Knight- Nine years ago, I was experiencing one of the most formative times of my life, having left my relatively small home community and gone off to a big state school many miles away from my old family and friends. I was working towards my undergraduate degree in film studies. I was in the mix of figuring out a brand new environment, meeting and getting to know more new and interesting people everyday than I ever had and probably ever will again, and basking in some... Read more

Migraine In America: What's That?

Editorial Team- Are you one of millions of people living with migraine? Whether you have found symptom relief or are searching for better treatment, we want to hear from you. People living with migraine still face a lot of stigma as headache diseases are so misunderstood. It's time to bust all the ridiculous myths. From episodic to chronic migraine, cluster headache, and more, together we can paint a clearer picture of the truth. We're conducting our annual survey and by taking it, you can bring awareness to the... Read more

Elimination Diet: Go ALL In

Alene Brennan- We know that there are countless foods that may trigger a migraine. But understanding which ones are your specific migraine triggers may feel like a bit of a treasure hunt. I sat in my neurologist's office years ago when he handed me a list of foods and said, "Oh, by the way, these are some foods that may trigger migraines." The act of finding out which ones directly affected me. well, that was on me. That's why I decided to start with an elimination... Read more

CGRP Inhibitors and Realistic Expectations

Shoshana Lipson- I've never quite understood the fatal attraction of rollercoasters! As the mother of three boys, I spent the better part of two decades trying in any way that I could to avoid getting on one of those beautifully gut-wrenching, twisting, heart-stopping monsters! Somehow, it seems to me that trying to manage migraine isn't so very different. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, some incredible views, but a lot of groaning and longing for the "monster" to... Read more

Finding Hope When You Have Cluster Headaches

Anna Williams- Cluster headache has many names. It is a member of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) family of headaches.? It has been referred to as Horton's Headache, after a neurologist who did work trying to understand it. This characterizes them well because those who live with these attacks are 20 times more likely to ... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Hope at Last, From a Green Lamp

I''ve had chronic migraines for more than 20 years. I finally found a Pharm D as my primary healthcare provider, who has patiently worked with me to find solutions. Using the Migraine Buddy app helps me track the frequency and severity of the migraines, allowing me to send reports directly to her electronically. The Migraine Summit was where I learned about the Allay Lamp. Thanks to my Pharm D, Migraine Buddy, and the Allay Lamp, I recently went a record 27 days without a migraine. And now I can stop a migraine by using... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
After hearing about other people's experiences, do you feel more likely to try new treatment options?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes

□ No

□ Sort of, I like to read more first

□ I am not sure how I feel about it

View on the web here.

Migraine 10 Year Anniversary assets; people stargazing, connection, constellations, gratitude, sharing a moment, care, memories. POC, male, female, adult, nb.

Celebrating 10 Years of Community, Connections, and Understanding

Editorial Team- The Migraine.com community turns 10 years old this year! Migraine.com was built to share information and help connect those within the migraine community. It has been incredible to watch each of you turn it into so much more! This summer, we asked you, "In one word, what has connecting with others meant for you?" Here's what you had to say... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

When Migraine Medicine Didn't Work

Alene Brennan- If I wasn't in so much pain, I would have had the strength to be frustrated. I had a migraine over a holiday weekend that I had been looking forward to for so long. I couldn't figure out the trigger which made it even more frustrated. I wanted something to blame and even more so, I wanted to identify the source so I could address it. But the... Read more

5 Things You Need to Know to Abort Cluster Headaches with Oxygen

Ashley Hattle- High-flow oxygen may be the most effective treatment for cluster headache attacks, but it is not as simple as breathing through the nasal cannula you often see on movies and passersby. Cluster headaches come on quickly and is considered the first-line treatment, but patients face at least five barriers in gaining access to oxygen and using... Read more

What's In Your Toolbox? Migraine-Friendly Products

Shoshana Lipson- With an often overwhelming array of "products" that either claim to help migraine or make life more manageable, it can be hard to know where to start. In fact, it's easy to throw our hands up and say, "This is simply too much" and end up relying only on pharmaceutical options. However, with a disease that takes so much away from us, retaining (or regaining) that locus of control is crucial. Taking back control of the things that we can is EMPOWERING... Read more

10 Years of Your Favorite Polls

Editorial Team- Different people experience different triggers, symptoms, and warning signs of migraine. Whether you are new to migraine, living with a headache disorder, or are just trying to learn more - we want to highlight the many shared experiences of the Migraine.com community through our top polls from the past decade! It is challenging to fully and truly describe the ongoing personal, social, and physical impact of migraine disease. However, understanding that you are not alone within this journey is essential. Migraine and headache disease not only... Read more

4 Things Parents With Migraines Totally Understand

Tonilyn Hornung- It's tough having a brain that barbecues itself. It's even more of a challenge when my brain barbecues itself while I'm parenting my 6-year-old. My migraines present a major obstacle when it comes to staying present (and out of bed) while cooking meals, helping with math equations, and playing hide-the-mom. Even though I know I'm not alone, suffering from migraines while parenting can leave me feeling lost and... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
Migraines After 4 Years of Hardly Any

I started with aura migraines when I was around 12. I had the numbness down 1 side of my face arm and hand, the zig-zag lines in my eye, ringing in my ears, and sickness. I used to get 1 a month then as I got older they went to around 1 every 2 weeks. When I was pregnant with my first I had them throughout the pregnancy but as soon as she was born they disappeared and I had just 1 a year then 4 years later they came back again. I fell pregnant with my son then again they stopped and went to 1 a year now... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
How has migraine affected your retirement plans?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ I have to work longer

□ I retired early

□ I plan to retire early

□ It has not affected them

□ I had to go on Disability instead

?

Survey will take about 10 minutes to complete

Having trouble reading this? View on the web at https://Migraine.com/weekly/031920-M.html

With everything that is going on in the world, we want to acknowledge the uncertainty that our community members may be feeling at this time.

While social distancing can help protect our bodies, it can take a significant toll on our mental health. To help the community weather this storm, we've created a single go-to spot for updated information about COVID-19 as well as tips for managing stress and isolation:

See all our tips & resources

As a company, we are working from home to care for our team members and do our part in protecting others in our local community.

Remember, you're never in this alone. From our community to yours, know that we're thinking of you.

We're in this together,

The Migraine.com Team

Migraine.com is conducting a market research study to better understand how people with migraine and cluster headache interact with their doctors and how they find out about new treatments!

Click Here to See if You Qualify

If you qualify and complete the 15-20 minute survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of 20 $50 e-gift cards!

Since we are looking for specific patients, we will first ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify. You may be eligible to be entered in the drawing to receive an e-gift card if you:

Are 18 years of age or older
Are a US resident
Have been diagnosed with migraine or cluster headaches
Are currently seeing a healthcare provider for migraine or cluster headaches

Please note this survey link may be used only once, and it cannot be forwarded to others. Once starting the survey, you cannot save and return to it later, so please allocate enough time to complete in one sitting.

Click Here to See if You Qualify

About Migraine.com Market Research:
In addition to our own surveys that we conduct from time to time, like Migraine In America, Migraine.com also occasionally conducts custom research studies for companies interested in learning more about how patients feel about their products or services.

Please know that:

We will always let you know when a survey is for a market research sponsor.
Participation in market research is completely optional.
Research opportunities are limited to a set number of participants, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you try to participate after the set number of participants has been reached, you will not be able to participate in the study.
Participants may need to meet certain criteria to participate in a survey and to be eligible to be entered into the drawing to receive the e-gift card. If you do not qualify and complete the survey, you will not be eligible to be entered to the drawing to receive the e-gift card.
You may only take this survey once. Surveys detected as having been taken more than once or fraudulently by an individual and/or entity will not be eligible for the drawing to receive the e-gift card.
We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information is stored in a secure system and will never be shared with the sponsor. Sponsors will not see or be given access to your e-mail address, and we will never tell the sponsor "Susan Smith said ." but rather results are presented in aggregated form like "63% of respondents said ."

Questions? Email us at Research@Migraine.com

This email was sent from Migraine.com, a property of Health Union, LLC, 1 International Plaza, Suite 550 Philadelphia, PA 19113.

?2020 Health Union. All rights reserved. This information is not designed to replace a physician''s independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. Migraine.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the site is conditional upon your acceptance of our terms of use.

Follow the link to opt out of future emails: Click here to unsubscribe

View on the web here.

A woman sitting on the edge of the bed resting her head on her hand sits in the foreground while a distressed man lays in bed in the background

Intimacy and Migraine

Tom Picerno- If you are suffering from migraine, intimacy is not something that springs to the front of your thoughts. I thoroughly enjoy times when my wife and I have time for connecting on an intimate level. It's a time when we can just relax and focus on ourselves and being together in a quiet atmosphere. The worries and pressures of life are held at bay for a while. No work, kids, dishes, laundry, etc...just us. Migraine, however, has a way of destroying that time, and it makes a coveted time vanish like the morning mist. Before migraine we used to have date nights. We used to do little getaways so that we could reconnect after making it through life's hurdles. Migraine has a way of changing things. Things I used to take... Read more

On The Go With Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Vyepti: First Intravenous Migraine Preventive Treatment Approved

Editorial Team- The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has just approved Vyepti for the preventive treatment of migraine. Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) will be the first intravenous (IV) preventive treatment on the market for migraine disease. It will be available starting in April 2020 and is for adults with migraine. Most people taking Vyepti will receive 100 mg every 3 months, however, the dosage can be increased to 300 mg if needed. Vyepti belongs to a class of drugs called human monoclonal antibodies. It is made from... Read more

The N1-Headache App: Figuring Out Migraine Triggers!

Shoshana Lipson- Neuroscience is challenging because we can't always provide a disease cure or resolution to some patients. But, we can always work with them by listening and never giving up. That makes a real and tangible difference! - Kenneth Shulman, DO N1-Headache is a unique migraine app that is designed to help people determine what factors may be triggers, what may actually be protecting them from attacks, and which may be irrelevant for them! It's a fascinating app, and I was recently privileged to have the opportunity... Read more

Attacks With No Pain or Quicker Resolution: How Migraine Patterns Are Changing With the CGRPs

Holly Harding Baddour- I know I'm not the only one who is experiencing an evolving pattern in both frequency, resolution, and type of migraine with the introduction of the CGRPs. I've seen many of our community members reporting a similar experience. Even though many of the changes are positive, it can take time to adjust due to being accustomed to having migraine attacks in the same way for a lifetime. Previously, for me, it might've taken between 4 hours to perhaps 3 days for a migraine attack to resolve.... Read more

My Migraine Playlist

Kyky Knight- Music can reach into the deepest parts of our soul and bring us joy when we can't seem to smile, bring us comfort when anxiety is high, and bring us peace when we feel a deep-seated uneasiness. Sometimes music can wrap up us like a blanket and make us feel understood when nothing else can. Living with migraine has left me feeling a lot of these emotions and more often and I turn to music to bring me healing when it seems out of sight... Read more

The After Effects of Migraine

Lisa Robin Benson- When we live with a disease that comes and goes, it's easy for people to think you're fine when you're not in the throes of a full-on attack. I want to discuss why this isn't always true, and how life can be for days after the initial attack has abated. I'd love to hear from you! What are the after-effects of migraine for you? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for alleviating them? Do others in your life understand... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
A Lifetime Dance and Suffering!

When my son was 1.5 years old, he came into the bathroom and saw me puking from my migraine. He leaned over his potty training toilet, spit in it and said," Mommy, I throw up too, just like you." Little did I know that soon my son would suffer from the same monster I had suffered with for most of my life, migraines. I had my first migraine on my 13th birthday. I had an aura that completely made my right side paralyzed. I knocked over my cup and because I couldn't talk, I couldn't tell my mom what was going on. I was soon diagnosed with migraines. This started my personal dance with migraines. My father had "headaches", but besides that no one... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you made new friendships as a result of connecting with others in the migraine community?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, many

□ Yes, some

□ No

□ Not yet, but hoping to

Migraine.com is conducting a market research study to better understand how people with migraine and cluster headache interact with their doctors and how they find out about new treatments!

Click Here to See if You Qualify

If you qualify and complete the 15-20 minute survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of 20 $50 e-gift cards!

Since we are looking for specific patients, we will first ask you a few questions to determine if you qualify. You may be eligible to be entered in the drawing to receive an e-gift card if you:

Are 18 years of age or older
Are a US resident
Have been diagnosed with migraine or cluster headaches
Are currently seeing a healthcare provider for migraine or cluster headaches

Please note this survey link may be used only once, and it cannot be forwarded to others. Once starting the survey, you cannot save and return to it later, so please allocate enough time to complete in one sitting.

Click Here to See if You Qualify

About Migraine.com Market Research:
In addition to our own surveys that we conduct from time to time, like Migraine In America, Migraine.com also occasionally conducts custom research studies for companies interested in learning more about how patients feel about their products or services.

Please know that:

We will always let you know when a survey is for a market research sponsor.
Participation in market research is completely optional.
Research opportunities are limited to a set number of participants, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you try to participate after the set number of participants has been reached, you will not be able to participate in the study.
Participants may need to meet certain criteria to participate in a survey and to be eligible to be entered into the drawing to receive the e-gift card. If you do not qualify and complete the survey, you will not be eligible to be entered to the drawing to receive the e-gift card.
You may only take this survey once. Surveys detected as having been taken more than once or fraudulently by an individual and/or entity will not be eligible for the drawing to receive the e-gift card.
We take your privacy seriously. Your personal information is stored in a secure system and will never be shared with the sponsor. Sponsors will not see or be given access to your e-mail address, and we will never tell the sponsor "Susan Smith said ." but rather results are presented in aggregated form like "63% of respondents said ."

Questions? Email us at Research@Migraine.com

This email was sent from Migraine.com, a property of Health Union, LLC, 1 International Plaza, Suite 550 Philadelphia, PA 19113.

?2020 Health Union. All rights reserved. This information is not designed to replace a physician''s independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. Migraine.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the site is conditional upon your acceptance of our terms of use.

Follow the link to opt out of future emails: Click here to unsubscribe

View on the web here.

A blonde woman smiles with her hands on her cheeks in excitement as she thinks about pancakes. There are hearts and stacks of pancakes floating around her head.

Saturday Pancakes (Minus the Migraine)

Alene Brennan- Some Saturdays I don't feel like jumping into action. In fact, I feel like just staying in my jammies and enjoying hot pancakes! Knowing that pancakes are gluten-based and gluten is a big migraine trigger for me, I had to find an allergy-friendly option. After trying several brands - most unsuccessfully - I've selected Enjoy Life as my MVP of pancake mixes. Granted, it's still a processed food and therefore not one that I want to have regularly, but for a special occasion Saturday, it satisfies the craving without triggering a migraine... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

4 Natural Remedies That Help When Migraines Attack

Tonilyn Hornung- When migraines attack, my only defense is to lay in bed like a slug. There are no medicines or secret incantations that will stop them. I must let my pain run its course until my brain decides to stop grilling itself. While lying in bed like a slug with a migraine, I've assembled a bag of handy treatments that help me work through the pain. These handy natural remedies can save a trip to the ER and rescue my stomach from a trip to the... Read more

Is Migraine a Punchline?

Sawyer Matheny- I know this is not the best way to get this idea across, however.I think I'm kinda funny. There was a birthday in grade school where my mother brought in snacks for me and my class. She was always the creative parent, going the extra mile by incorporating my obsessions, like Godzilla and Spiderman, into delectable birthday sweets. It was this year, fourth grade I believe, when I wanted lightsabers. I loved Star Wars, so naturally, the lightsaber was the perfect symbol to represent the stellar... Read more

I'm Too Tired

#purpleproject- I'm too tired. I'm too tired to tell you I can't today. I'm too tired to explain why I can't come (again). I'm too tired to lift my head off this tear-stained pillow to give today another try. I'm too tired to get up and try to start a day that I know will end in misery, tears, and frustration from my family for simply not doing enough. The ones where it took 6 weeks to authorize. I'm sick of the step-therapy. I'm sick of my abortive pills being... Read more

Healthcare Obstacles & the LGBTQ+ Community

Editorial Team- Editor's Note: LGBTQ+ stands for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. To learn more about gender identity, check out the interactive website The Genderbread Person. Have you or a loved one faced discrimination in a healthcare setting? There are many reasons why people might not be treated equally at the doctor's office. Here we explore the effect of health disparities on those in the LGBTQ+ community. It is not always obvious when discrimination is happening. Factors such as poverty, education, race, ethnicity, body... Read more

FDA Approves Nurtec; (rimegepant): The First Oral Disintegrating CGRP Tablet for Migraine

Editorial Team- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved Nurtec; ODT (oral disintegrating tablet) for the acute treatment of migraine in adults. Nurtec (rimegepant) is the first quick-dissolving oral treatment available in the CGRP class. It may be taken once daily. Nurtec will be available to buy in early March 2020. A single dose of Nurtec ODT (75 mg) offers fast pain relief. Water is not required for the pill to dissolve in the mouth. Nurtec works by blocking CGRP receptors. No more than 1... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Medicine of the Future

Working in the entertainment industry can be a dream come true for many behind the camera and those in front... unless you''re a migraineur. Then it''s just hell either way. I should preface this article with the full disclosure that I am a comedian, and writer-producer. In the entertainment industry, physical ailments are consider especially heinous. In Hollywood, the dedicated talent who hide these ailments and keep moving forward are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories. *Bom Bom* I am writing this article as a long time reader, a migraineur since the age of twelve, and a little more than twelve hours after being discharged from the hospital. My brain is still fried. My right eye will soon be in the trash... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you made new friendships as a result of connecting with others in the migraine community?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes, many

□ Yes, some

□ No

□ Not yet, but hoping to

View on the web here.

Person clutches stomach abdomen while looking up at thought bubble featuring notebook manual of brain and check mark. Types of migraine, stomach migraine, stomach ache, mental, affirmation, looking back, past.

Maintaining the Migraine Machine

Sawyer Matheny- My migraine (mygraine, gotta get in that portmantua) journey has been quite the complicated one, wherein I've never really been consistent. What started as a nagging feeling at the back, or front, of my head has now become a pivotal part of my life. I mean my younger self would have hardly believed it! It's never been something that I've really understood myself. I would always push it away or continue to live my life in pain without caring about why. My teenage and preteen years were riddled with ignorance in search of fun, because being responsible and dealing with my medical issues was kind of a drag. I had abdominal migraines all the time. It would keep me from school and sleeping, and I had them so... Read more

CGRP: A New Direction for Migraine Treatment

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Raising Compassion One Person at a Time

Holly Harding Baddour- One of our community members recently shared the following comment about the way she is approaching the challenge of raising awareness about migraine among her circle of friends, family and coworkers: "Being honest can be helpful" "I have found being honest can be helpful. I can't control if others will take the time to understand what migraines are or how they perceive me. But what I can control is how I talk about migraines and how I educate others on what so many go through. So, recently... Read more

Guest Post: OT's Routine for Relieving Tight Neck Muscles

Editorial Team- Can you relate to the following sensations? The dull ache on the back of your neck that runs up your head. The tension built up in your jaw, shoulders, and neck from your posture sitting in the home office. The tender spots along the tops of your shoulders that never seem to go away. If you thought "oh yes, that's me" to any of those statements then it's time to relieve the tension in your tight muscles that might be contributing to your migraines. As an occupational therapist, it's... Read more

When the Stress of Migraine Is a Migraine Trigger

Kerrie Smyres- Normal stress isn't a migraine trigger for me, but extreme stress is. Given how 2020 is shaping up so far, my migraine attacks have increased in both frequency and severity. It got so bad this spring that I took a leave from work to try to manage them. I told everyone at the office that I expected to be back soon because work itself wasn't stressful, but the stress of not being able to work productively was. (This should have been a clue, but I... Read more

Chronic Migraine Medications and A New Relationship

Amanda Workman- There are a variety of issues to consider when dealing with chronic migraine. Despite this, a common issue is managing the migraine pain with a limited supply of medications. The majority of the time that I have been battling chronic migraine, I was with the same partner. I went from episodic to chronic in 2009. My ex and I got together in 2011 and split last year in 2019. Now I am having to learn about not only dating but dating with chronic health conditions... Read more

The Ritual of Having an After Migraine Ritual

Tonilyn Hornung- My son's bedtime ritual hasn't changed in years: bath, book, check for monsters under the bed, cuddles, and lights out. My husband and I have suggested changes to this tradition, but my son doesn't want to vary one step. His nighttime custom creates as much of a sense of safety as making sure there are no scary monsters under his bed. I get it. I have my own migraine-related customs. My "after migraine ritual" began as a need to create space between myself and my migraine... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
My Journey With Vestibular Migraines

Best tip I have learned along the way - Take a small medicine pack with you everywhere: Peppermint Oil, Lavender Oil, Nausea tablets, Nausea bands, Antihistamines, Valium, Aspirin/Nurofen, and Magnesium. It all began with vertigo. I remember being on one of my morning walks with my partner, stepping onto a bridge and having to catch myself as the whole floor fell from beneath me. I went to the doctor and was prescribed 'Stemetil' and sent on my way. Off I went, making jokes about being Lucille Two from Arrested Development. I can't remember how much time passed, but I visited that doctor a few more times as my symptoms developed and it got to the point where he would laugh at me when I walked in for being there again, he never... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Do you wish others knew the true impact of migraine and headache disorders?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes! (Take our survey to share more)

□ No, not really

□ I do, but I don\'t know-how!

□ I am not sure

View on the web here.

Woman with ponytail closes blackout curtain over bright yellow light

Two Simple Strategies for Darkening a Room

Lisa Robin Benson- Light sensitivity is an important issue to many people who deal with migraines. In our 2020 Migraine In America survey, 92% of respondents reported that light sensitivity was one of their most common symptoms during a migraine attack. Because of this, many of us try our best to set up a comfortable space to retreat to while we deal with an attack. Our contributor, Lisa, talks about two simple tools she uses to help keep the light out... Read more

Finding your Footing with Migraine

Learn more

Forums - Migraine.com

Talk about it

Visit the Migraine.com forums.
Learn more

Finding Control Over Migraine Through Our Triggers

Editorial Team- A life with migraine is an endless battle for control. Most of the time, it feels as though the neurological condition is sitting in the driver's seat, unwilling to give up control of the steering wheel. In those moments, it is the small victories that we have, like identifying one of our triggers, that push migraine out of the driver's side door. Though these moments can be short-lived, they give us a sense of control. In our 9th Annual Migraine In America survey, 4,693 respondents shared... Read more

The Subjectivity and Relativity of Pain

Amanda Workman- When it comes to analyzing our pain, we consider both the subjectivity and relativity of that pain. A subjective view of pain is based on your personal opinions and experiences. An individual's pain tolerance comes into play with the subjective viewpoint. This evaluates how painful the pain you are experiencing is compared to another person's same experience. The relative view of pain means that we each suffer in our own way. We all have different pain experiences and pain tolerances. An individual's pain threshold is the amount of pain that they can reasonably tolerate... Read more

Sunglasses in the Snow

Sawyer Matheny- The makeup industry is a zillion-dollar franchise that has purchase all over the world. From Ru Paul to Mary Kay, Fashion and the wonders of makeup make-up an enormous part of the entertainment industry. I've dabbled. As a stage performer, we were meticulously taught how to put on eye-shadow and eyeliner. How to contour in order to highlight and contrast your features so they'd be seen by the back row! In college, we didn't get makeup people, so I had to get very intimate with my eyes... Read more

The Empowerment of Taking Control of Your Cluster Headaches

Ashley Hattle- The first time you have a cluster headache attack, you may feel like you're having an aneurysm - that you are dying -because surely this amount of pain that comes on so suddenly would kill you, or at least make you pass out. But somehow, you survive the up to 3-hour ordeal. You look back over your time in agony in complete disbelief. What was that? Did it really hurt that badly? For me, a sort of flip switched in my head after my first attack. I didn't want to think about it, to tell anyone about it, and I definitely didn't want to consider it could happen again... Read more

Read other headlines on Migraine.com.

Socially accessible - Migraine.com
We''re active on your social network.
Migraine.com on Twitter
Migraine.com on Facebook
Migraine.com on Instagram

Featured story:
The Girl in that Cap

I was diagnosed with chronic migraine when I was only 9 years old. It was a constant reason for a lack of confidence for my appearance of a geeky child with humongous spectacles and shock for my supportive parents who saw me cry with constant blackouts whenever I used to go for badminton tryouts or complete an exam of long duration as I grew up. All those hallucinations and aura events made me feel somewhat less normal than others... Read more

Read other stories, or submit your own at Migraine.com.

Featured poll:
Have you utilized telehealth services this year?

Vote now, or view the results at Migraine.com.

□ Yes I have

□ No I have not

Data Name	Data Type	Options
Username	Text Box
Email	Text Box
Email address	Text Box

Start Searching Today!

Migraine.com Sign Up Information

Email Address

Username

Post-Registration Data

Validation

Membership Emails

Comments about migraine.com

Recently added URLs

Top 10 Search URLs

Top 10 Categories