Migraine & Headaches

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Headaches Overview

Headaches BasicsHeadaches can be complicated. Different kinds can have their own set of symptoms, causes, and need different treatments.

Headache SymptomsNot all headaches are the same. Many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.

What Is a Secondary Headache?For secondary headaches, another disease or condition is the cause. The headache is a symptom.

What Your Headache Location Tells YouWhere your head hurts isn't a foolproof way to diagnose, but the location of your headache can be a starting point.

Headaches BasicsHeadaches can be complicated. Different kinds can have their own set of symptoms, causes, and need different treatments.

Headache SymptomsNot all headaches are the same. Many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.

What Is a Secondary Headache?For secondary headaches, another disease or condition is the cause. The headache is a symptom.

What Your Headache Location Tells YouWhere your head hurts isn't a foolproof way to diagnose, but the location of your headache can be a starting point.

Why Does the Back of My Head Hurt?The back of your head may hurt due to various causes, from poor posture to different types of headaches.

What Does a Headache on the Top of Your Head Mean?Pain on the top of your head could mean a number of things, and you’ll want to watch for other symptoms.

Headache Behind the Eye: Why It HappensIf you feel pain behind your eyes, there could be many causes. There's a chance it could be a specific type of headache.

Headache and NauseaHeadache and nausea are common. Dehydration, migraine, or other conditions can cause headache and nausea to occur together.

What Causes a Throbbing Headache?Migraines or caffeine withdrawal can trigger a throbbing headache. Drinking too much alcohol can cause one, too.

The Link Between Caffeine and HeadachesMost of us have caffeine in what we drink and eat. It’s possible for caffeine to both cause and cure a headache.

Headache SpecialistsRecommendations from your regular doctor may not be enough for your headaches. You may need someone with extra expertise.

Headache TreatmentWhen it comes to headache remedies, medications and and some devices can help prevent headaches from starting.

Drugs for Headache Pain ReliefMany medications are over-the-counter, or available without a doctor's prescription. Other drugs require a prescription.

Vitamins & Supplements for Headache TreatmentSome people with migraines like to go “all natural” to find relief. There is some evidence these supplements may help.

Tips to Get Rid of a HeadacheThere are several things you can do to ease headache pain without a trip to the doctor. Try these tips to feel better.

What to Do When Headache Treatments Don’t WorkIf you get one headache or migraine after another and over-the-counter pain relief doesn’t help, you do have options.

Headache Prevention MedicationsAlong with traditional headache medications, other drugs can help you have fewer and less-severe headaches.

What Should I Do for My Child’s Headaches?You might worry that your child's headache is a sign of a serious problem. But that’s untrue for most childhood headaches.

Migraine

What Is Migraine?Migraine is a neurologic disorder that often causes a strong headache. In many people, it happens in stages.

Why Migraines Aren't 'Just' a HeadacheThere are key features that make migraine distinct from tension headaches and cluster headaches, which are rare.

Migraines vs. Chronic Migrainesif you have the condition known as chronic migraine, you get headaches 15 or more days a month for at least 3 months.

Mixed Tension MigraineThese headaches happen more than 15 days each month for at least 3 months. They can be migraine or tension headaches.

What Is Migraine?Migraine is a neurologic disorder that often causes a strong headache. In many people, it happens in stages.

Why Migraines Aren't 'Just' a HeadacheThere are key features that make migraine distinct from tension headaches and cluster headaches, which are rare.

Migraines vs. Chronic Migrainesif you have the condition known as chronic migraine, you get headaches 15 or more days a month for at least 3 months.

Mixed Tension MigraineThese headaches happen more than 15 days each month for at least 3 months. They can be migraine or tension headaches.

What Are High-Frequency Episodic Migraines?If you get migraine attacks anywhere between 10 to 14 times a month, you might have high-frequency episodic migraine.

What Are Cyclic Migraines?These are migraines that happen in cycles. They’re sometimes called cluster migraines, but that’s not correct.

Migraine With AuraA migraine with aura can happen along with dizziness, ringing in the ears, zigzag lines in vision, or light sensitivity.

Silent MigrainesIf you have a silent migraine, it means you get any of the typical migraine symptoms except for one: pain.

Status MigrainosusMigraines can last for a few hours to a few days. But status migrainosus is a migraine that lasts for more than 72 hours.

Rare Types of MigraineMost people get migraine without aura. But there are less common kinds of migraine that show up in other ways.

Hemiplegic Migraine HeadachesHemiplegic migraine is a rare and serious type of migraine headache. Many of its symptoms mimic those common to stroke.

Migraine With Brainstem AuraMigraine with brainstem aura (formerly called basilar migraines) are headaches that start in the lower part of the brain.

Abdominal MigrainesAbdominal migraines aren't headaches. They make your belly ache instead and can cause nausea, cramps, and vomiting.

Vestibular MigrainesA vestibular migraine is a nervous system problem that causes vertigo in people who have a history of migraine symptoms.

Ocular MigrainesOcular migraines can cause vision loss or blindness for a short time. It happens before or along with a migraine headache.

What Is Ophthalmoplegic Migraine?Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a nervous system problem. This condition causes headaches and pain around the eyeballs.

What Is a Retinal Migraine?Retinal migraine is a rare type of migraine that causes visual disturbance in only one eye before the headache comes on.

Geriatric Headaches and MigrainesOlder people have fewer headaches than younger ones. But some headaches in older age can indicate a serious condition.

Common Migraine Headache SymptomsA migraine may include symptoms such as tingling sensations, flashing lights, weird sounds, and blurred or lost vision.

Signs of a Migraine That Aren't HeadacheAlong with head pain, your body will send you other signs of migraine, from mood changes to feeling sick to your stomach.

Allodynia (Sensitivity to Touch)Migraines can also make your nerves sensitive. Even the slightest touch can hurt. It's called allodynia, or "other pain."

Antiemetics for Migraine With NauseaNausea and throwing up lessen the effectiveness of oral medications to treat migraine. That’s where antiemetics come in.

When Migraines Get WorseMigraine often gets better over years, but not always. One way migraine can get worse is when it becomes chronic.

When to Call the Doctor About Your MigraineKnow your personal migraine headache symptoms -- what’s normal for you and what’s not, and when you need emergency help.

Managing Severe Migraine Symptoms and Side EffectsThere’s no cure for migraine, but you can take steps to ease the pain and make your attacks happen less often.

Migraine CausesDoctors aren’t sure what causes migraine headaches. They think imbalances in certain brain chemicals may play a role.

The Link Between Migraine and DehydrationDehydration and head pain can go hand and hand. If you get migraines, you’ll want to make sure to prevent this trigger.

Tyramine and MigrainesIn some people, certain foods and drinks can trigger a migraine. One well-accepted migraine trigger is tyramine.

Alcohol as a Migraine TriggerIf you're prone to migraine headaches, drinking even a small amount of alcohol can bring on an attack.

Can Changes in Weather Trigger Migraine?Many things, from genetics to imbalances in the brain, play roles in causing headaches. Could weather also play a role?

Migraine and IntimacyA quarter of patients in one study said migraine headaches changed the quality of sexual intimacy and also the frequency.

How Dental Problems Can Trigger Migraine HeadachesPain that starts in temporomandibular joints or the muscles around them can travel to your skull and lead to a migraine.

Common Misdiagnoses of MigraineWhen it comes to migraine headaches, some studies suggest fewer than half of the people get the right diagnosis.

Can You Go to the ER for Migraine?Most people who go to the ER for migraine pain are just having a migraine attack, not a medical emergency.

Spinal Taps for Headache and Migraine DiagnosisIf you have headaches or migraines, a doctor may use a spinal tap to look for signs of what could be causing your pain.

EEG for Headache and Migraine DiagnosisYour doctor may order an EEG to look for signs of seizures, which can cause symptoms similar to those seen in migraine.

MRIs for Headache and Migraine DiagnosisYour doctor might recommend an MRI if you're getting headaches daily or almost every day.

CT Scans for Headache and Migraine DiagnosisYou might need a CT scan if you have headaches daily or almost every day or have a sudden onset severe headache.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Migraine in People of ColorPeople of color and other underserved groups face hurdles in getting proper migraine care.

First Neurologist Visit for Migraine: What to ExpectYour primary care doctor may refer you to a neurologist if they think your head pain could be something more serious.

Talking to Your Doctor About Your MigraineGetting the most helpful treatment depends on good communication between you and your doctor.

Migraine Treatments OverviewYou and your doctor have a range of treatment options, either to stop a migraine attack or to prevent it from starting.

Emgality for Migraine & Cluster HeadachesLearn how Emgality helps prevent migraines and treat cluster headaches, with tips on use, side effects, and cost support.

Over-the-Counter Medications for MigrainesYou may not need a prescription to treat your migraines. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications work well for some people.

Migraine CocktailA migraine cocktail is a combination of medications that you may use at home to treat a migraine headache.

Acute Migraine TreatmentsIf you get severe migraines frequently, choose what works, use it first, and use it fast. This is called acute treatment.

Managing Acute Migraine with ZavzpretMigraine is a condition where you have intense headaches, usually with throbbing pain on one side. Zavzpret is used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura.

Botox Injections for Migraine TreatmentDoctors think Botox works for migraines because it blocks neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain.

Treating Chronic Migraine with BotoxMigraines can interfere with daily living and can affect quality of life. Studies have shown that Botox can reduce migraine days by up to 50%.

Triptans for Migraine TreatmentIn some cases, OTC pain relievers may help migraines. But if they don't, your doctor may suggest you try a triptan drug.

Beta-Blockers for MigraineA drug that is used to treat hypertension can lessen headaches for some people. These drugs are called beta-blockers.

Ergot Alkaloids for MigraineErgot alkaloids are headache medicines that are used only to treat severe headaches like migraine and cluster headaches.

Can Trigger Point Injections Relieve Your Migraine Pain?Trigger point injections are among the options your doctor may use to ease your pain from migraine headaches.

Migraine Medication OveruseExcessive use of migraine medicines actually can do the opposite of what you want. It can cause even more headaches.

Nerve Release Surgery for MigraineIf you have a migraine diagnosis and treatment doesn’t help, nerve decompression surgery may be an option for you.

Latest Research on Migraine Treatments Therapy advances include new drugs and delivery systems that may work better, with fewer side effects than older migraine drugs.

Treating Acute Migraine With NurtecMigraine is a condition where you have intense headaches, usually with throbbing pain on one side. The active ingredient in Nurtec is rimegepant. You may also hear it called a “gepant" can help relieve pain during a migraine attack and can help prevent future attacks.

Understanding CGRP Inhibitors for Acute Relief of MigrainesCGRP inhibitors bind to the CGRP receptor on nerve endings that generate migraine pain and block CGRP from binding. This, in turn, stops your migraine symptoms.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments for MigrainesOTC and prescription medications can ease migraine, but complementary and alternative treatments may help, too.

Massage Therapy for MigraineMedication is a common way to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Some research suggests massage therapy may help.

Physical Therapy for MigrainePhysical therapy techniques can help temporarily lessen your pain during a migraine attack.

Biofeedback for MigraineBiofeedback therapy has been found to be an effective treatment to reduce intense migraine attacks.

Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil for MigrainesSome research shows that marijuana may help ease migraine symptoms or possibly keep them from starting.

Daith Piercings as Migraine TreatmentDaith piercings have become increasingly popular. One reason may be claims that these piercings can treat migraine.

Magnesium for MigraineScientists aren’t sure if magnesium supplements stifle migraines. But there’s enough evidence to pose it's worth a try.

Medicines That Can Prevent Migraine HeadachesThe ideal approach: Stop a migraine before it starts. To do that, your doctor may consider certain prescription drugs.

Relieving Acute Migraines With UbrelvyUbrelvy (you-brel'-vee) was approved in 2019 as the first CGRP antagonist taken by mouth to treat acute migraine. The active ingredient in Ubrelvy is ubrogepant. CGRP is a protein that causes blood vessels to widen and can lead to pain and inflammation during a migraine. CGRP may also have a role in causing migraine.

How Migraine Prevention Treatments WorkToday's migraine treatments target what we know play a role to help stop an attack before one even starts.

Preventing Migraines With QuliptaQulipta (kew-LIP-tah) was approved in 2021 to prevent episodic migraine. In 2023, it was approved as the first CGRP antagonist to prevent all frequencies of migraine – including both episodic and chronic migraine.

Prevent Migraines and Headaches by Managing StressWhen stress persists, the body begins to break down and illnesses, like headaches and migraines, can occur.

How Managing Sleep Problems Can Prevent MigrainesIf migraines are a regular part of your life, you may want to tweak your sleep schedule.

Complications of MigrainesMigraine complications can be serious enough to send you to the hospital or leave you simply uncomfortable or queasy.

Migraine and Brain LesionsYou’ve probably wondered if migraines affect the brain. Migraines can cause brain lesions, which are areas of damage.

Migraines and the Link to Other Health ConditionsWhen you have migraines, there are certain other conditions you might be at higher risk for.

The Link Between Allergies and MigrainesMigraine and sinus headaches can be confused. They share symptoms, like a pounding head, sinus pressure, and stuffy nose.

Are Migraines Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke?Studies show that some folks who get migraines are also more likely to have strokes and heart attacks.

Migraines and Epilepsy: Is There a Link?If you have epilepsy, you’re more than twice as likely to get migraines as someone who doesn’t.

MS and Migraines: Is There a Link?Research shows that people with MS tend to have more headaches, including migraines, than others.

What Is a Migrainous Infarction?If you have an ischemic stroke during a migraine with aura attack, doctors call that a “migrainous infarction.”

Costs of MigraineMigraines are a lot to manage. If you need treatment for them, you’ll need to keep an eye on your bank balance as well.

Driving and Migraine: What to DoThere's never a good time to get a migraine headache. But it could be unsafe if it strikes while you’re behind the wheel.

Travel Tips for People Who Get MigrainesNo one wants to be waylaid by a migraine while traveling. You can do things to help keep your next trip migraine-free.

Enjoying a Night Out With Friends When You Have MigrainesWith lifestyle changes and planning, it’s possible to live with migraines and enjoy time with your friends.

Plant-Based Diets for MigraineAccording to a small group of studies, diets that focus on low-fat, plant-based foods hold promise for managing migraine.

Yoga for MigraineYou may be eager to find exercises that don’t trigger or worsen your migraine headache pain. One good option is yoga.

Hormonal Headaches and Menstrual MigrainesCertain types of headaches are linked to changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in your body.

Migraine Headaches and PregnancyIf you're pregnant and experience migraines, you might be glad to know that pregnancy eases migraines for many women.

Migraines and MenopauseFor many women, menopause brings a welcome end to these headaches.

Cluster & Tension Headaches

Other Types of Headaches

Hemicrania ContinuaThis rare type of continuous headache doesn't stop. It causes pain on one side of your face or head.

What Are Hypnic Headaches?Hypnic headache syndrome is a disorder that happens only while you’re asleep and mostly affects women over 50.

Ice Pick HeadachesIce pick headaches feel like someone’s stabbing your face with an ice pick. They're also called stabbing headaches.

New Daily Persistent HeadachesNew daily persistent headaches (NDPH) begin without warning and go on for 3 months or longer.

Hemicrania ContinuaThis rare type of continuous headache doesn't stop. It causes pain on one side of your face or head.

What Are Hypnic Headaches?Hypnic headache syndrome is a disorder that happens only while you’re asleep and mostly affects women over 50.

Ice Pick HeadachesIce pick headaches feel like someone’s stabbing your face with an ice pick. They're also called stabbing headaches.

New Daily Persistent HeadachesNew daily persistent headaches (NDPH) begin without warning and go on for 3 months or longer.

Overview of Cough HeadachesEver notice that if you cough a little too hard, your head hurts for a bit? That’s a cough headache.

Headaches After ExerciseHeadaches that most frequently occur due to exercise or over-exertion include jogger's headache and orgasmic headache.

Ice Cream Headaches (Brain Freeze)An ice cream headache, a cold stimulus headache, or “sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia,” is a familiar sensation.

Paroxysmal HemicraniaParoxysmal hemicrania is painful headaches on one side of your head that don’t last long but happen several times a day.

What Is an Altitude Headache?When you're in the mountains to ski, hike, or take in the view, you could get head pain called an altitude headache.

Cervicogenic HeadachesIf a headache is related to a problem in your neck, there's a good chance it's a cervicogenic headache (CH).

What Is Post-Traumatic Headache?If you get a new headache within 7 days of a head injury you may have a condition called "post-traumatic headache."

Low-Pressure and High-Pressure HeadachesLow-pressure headaches and high-pressure headaches are caused by a change of pressure inside your skull.

Spinal HeadachesA spinal headache is the name for a type of headache that follows a procedure like a spinal tap or an epidural block.

Thunderclap HeadachesThunderclap headaches are rare and come on suddenly. They can cause intense pain and often nausea and vomiting.

Occipital NeuralgiaOccipital neuralgia can cause intense pain that feels like a sharp electric shock in the back of the head and neck.

What Are Sinus Headaches?The build-up of pressure in your sinuses causes pain that feels like a headache.

Migraine vs. Sinus HeadacheHeadaches and nasal congestion are also symptoms of migraine. So how can you tell the difference?

How to Treat Sinus HeadachesClogged sinuses can impart pain and pressure above your nose and between your eyes. The right treatment can bring relief.

What Are Rebound Headaches?When a headache strikes, you might take an OTC pain pill. These same medicines could also give you a rebound headache.

Medicines That Can Cause HeadachesAll medications have side effects, and sometimes a headache is one of them.

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