Is a Migraine a Sign of Something Worse?

A migraine¹ is classified as a primary headache. The term is used to describe a severe headache.

What differentiates a migraine from a headache are the specific physiologic changes that occur in the brain resulting in the characteristic symptoms of a migraine — sensitivity to light, sound and smell — often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. About one-third of those with migraine experience visual disturbances before the headache phase. This is known as a migraine aura.

For some, the frequency and severity of migraines may lead to anxiety and depression, further impacting their overall well-being. Fortunately, migraines can be managed.

Migraines Can Be Treated or Managed

For mild to moderate headaches, over the counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective.

For migraines, prescription medications² may be an option to discuss with your doctor or headache specialist. These can include:

• Triptans — These medications can relieve migraine symptoms and are usually taken at the first sign of a migraine.
• Preventive medications — For frequent migraines, daily preventive medications can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
• Botox® (botulinum toxin)³ — In 2010 the FDA approved the use of Botox® help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic migraine attacks by interfering with pain transmission.
• Nerve blocks — Small amounts of a numbing medicine such as lidocaine or bupivacaine are injected into the base of the skull to block pain signals.
• Acupuncture⁴ — Practitioners insert single-use, stainless steel needles into specific points of the body to help reduce episodic migraine headaches with fewer side effects compared to oral medications.

Tips for Preventing Headaches

Preventing migraines often requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates lifestyle changes, stress management, and mindfulness of environmental triggers. Here are some effective tips for preventing migraines:

• Be consistent — Keep to regular sleep and meal schedule can help prevent migraines.
• Hydrate — Drink water throughout the day. Dehydration is a common trigger.
• Manage stress — Stress is a significant migraine trigger. Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help reduce stress.
• Exercise — Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
• Healthy diet — Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding known food triggers such as processed meats and aged cheeses.

If your headaches are severe or increasingly frequent, don’t wait to get help.

Schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our specialists at the Cooper & Inspira Neuroscience Headache Program.

This is part two of a two-part series. Read part one: Is It a Headache, a Migraine, or Something Worse?

References

1. American Migraine Foundation. Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal With Them, July 27, 2017[↩]
2. MedicineNet.com. Migraine headaches, Facts you should know about migraine headaches[↩]
3. Nature Reviews Neurology. Insights from 25 years of onabotulinumtoxinA in migraine – mechanisms and management, August 19, 2024[↩]
4. American Migraine Foundation. 5 Things To Know Before Beginning Acupuncture, Dr. Niushen Zhang discusses acupuncture for migraine treatment, December 5, 2018[↩]