When It's More Than Just a Bad Headache

Studies suggest that certain people who get migraines are at risk for getting them more frequently. People who have suffered a closed head injury and individuals with a family history of migraine are likely to develop chronic migraine.

Chronic migraine can also be brought on by overuse of acute medications that are designed to get rid of an existing headache.

What should a woman do if she suspects she has chronic migraine?

In too many cases, people with chronic migraine mistake their symptoms for tension headaches or infrequent migraines, and they pop a quick-fix medication and go on with their lives. This only masks an escalating problem. If you notice your headaches becoming more frequent, more severe or both, talk to your health care professional. The sooner you get treatment for chronic migraine, the better. Ideally, you should see a qualified headache specialist; he or she will be able to provide the best possible treatment options.

How is chronic migraine treated?

The first goal in treating chronic migraine is to control the things that trigger the headaches. These triggers may include sleep problems, changes in eating habits (such as skipping meals), physical activity and numerous other factors. Alcohol, caffeine, smoke and some over-the-counter and prescription medications are considered triggers for migraines.

Keeping a headache diary, in which you write down how you felt, what you did and what you ate on a given day can help you pinpoint triggers. For instance, if you find your afternoon diet soda or nightly red wine are often followed by a throbbing head, cut back on these indulgences, or avoid them completely.

In addition to eliminating triggers, treatment aims to prevent migraines and ease head pain when they strike. There are two classes of medications for migraine headache:

• Pain-relieving medications, or abortive treatments, are taken during migraine attacks to stop symptoms that have already begun. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and migraine medications called triptans and ergotamines. These medications are used no more than two days per week; taking them more often can lead to rebound headache, a vicious headache cycle that occurs when the body adjusts to too much pain medication.
• Preventive medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency or severity of migraines. They include antidepressants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and anticonvulsants.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help ward off chronic migraine?