Headache Care Center: Managing Migraine

Those with migraine may have a variety of different types of migraine attacks. Some of the more common types are migraine occurring without aura, migraine with aura, early-morning migraine, migraine related to menstruation, or a slow-developing migraine that may take hours or even days to declare itself. Specific treatment strategies need to be developed for the various types of migraine presentations. For example, an early morning migraine with significant nausea may require medication given as a nasal spray or a shot; whereas, a pill may work well for a slowly developing migraine.

Patient-centered stratified care initially focuses on effective control of the acute migraine attack. This promotes confidence and allows you to be part of the decision-making process that ultimately refines your management program.
This approach addresses the variability of migraine attacks and the variety of circumstances and personal needs demanded of treatment. For example, a person with migraine may have migraine with and without aura, early-morning attacks of migraine, menstrual migraine, slow developing migraine that may take hours to declare itself as a migraine, tension-type headache, and "sinus" headache. Each of these may require a different management approach. In addition, personal circumstances may at times demand more aggressive treatment. The only person who can direct treatment of this smorgasbord of headaches is you.

Your physician plays an essential role in this management approach as an educator and provider of the tools necessary for success. Your physician can also help you evaluate the therapy and assist in the early detection of migraine transformation and migraine-associated medical conditions. The focus is on the whole person. Over time, migraine treatment strategies become refined and control is established.