One of the most important steps you can take in treating a migraine is to learn what affects it.  Download the migraine diary below to learn:

• How frequent are your headaches?
• How long do they last?
• Are there any patterns to what triggers them?
• Are there any treatments that work to reduce or eliminate the pain?
• Do the treatments give you any side effects?

There are many types of migraines, and many treatments for them.  For example, migraines caused by sinus pressure may be triggered or worsened by allergies, and an ENT specialist might be able to help.  In other cases, a gluten intolerance could cause severe headaches, and you may find that a dietary change can help you to control the pain.

Your primary care physician and pain specialist will be able to help you more if you are able to provide a detailed journal of your pain.  If you have tried lifestyle changes including proper hydration, regular full-night’s sleep, dietary changes, and trigger avoidance, your physician may recommend additional treatment for you such as pain medication, chiropractic treatment or even acupuncture.

If you find that you have severe migraines almost every other day, you may suffer from chronic migraine – a medical condition experienced by a small percentage of migraineurs.  People with chronic migraines may need more intenstive treatment such as a medical procedure.

You can learn more about migraine treatment options at migrainecenters.com.