How Do You Prevent An Attack?Do you take measures to try to prevent a migraine on days that you know will be more demanding than usual? We know that migraine thrives on change, and often...reactions14comments
Migraine Cocktail Via InfusionOne of the biggest advantages to having my migraines managed by a migraine specialist this past year, rather than a primary care physician or a general neurologist, was having access...reactions1comment
Preparing for a Big Snow and Depression With MigraineIt’s supposed to snow next week in the Pacific Northwest. To be clear, I know it snows all over, and I know it’s already snowed all over, but when it...reactionscomments
Rx: Enjoy Yourself!Have you ever noticed that you're not as aware of your migraine pain when you're enjoying yourself? Maybe you watched a funny movie or chatted with a good friend, and...reactions17comments
Trauma + Insomnia = Perfect Storm for a MigraineAs someone who has struggled with migraines since childhood, I know I have a few very identifiable triggers. Unfortunately, I've also learned that often, when a migraine is coming due...reactionscomments
Purplification for Migraine AdvocacyA month or two ago, a purple-haired migraine advocate said, "I dye my hair purple to advocate for migraine. Are you willing to do this too?" My flip response: "for...reactions13comments
Utilizing the Neurology Infusion Suite (Part 2)In part one of this article, I share a detailed account of what led me to my most recent migraine in the ER experience, and basically, how terrible it was...reactionscomments
6 Tips for Staying on Top of TreatmentLiving with a long-term health condition requires us to stay on top of everything: doctor’s appointments, new symptoms, insurance, and, of course, managing treatment – all while taking care of...reactionscomments
3 Tips for Creating an Emergency Room Plan with Cluster HeadachesGoing to the emergency room is the last resort for established cluster headache patients. However, it's often the first step for someone experiencing their first few attacks. The sudden nature...reactions1comment
Walking into the ER with a Migraine (Part 1)Let me set the scene for you. It's day 5 of an earth-shattering migraine, and you're lost in the sea of emergency medicine and other abortive techniques you've collected over...reactions4comments
The Demanding Cycle of Trying New TreatmentsThere is a demanding multi-stage cycle involved in trying new treatments. It is a complex, time-consuming, and depleting process. I've found that there are 7 stages involved in this cycle:...reactions20comments
Assessing Side Effects of a New MedicationWhen I was first trying migraine treatments, I researched the side effects of every medication in minute detail. I read the package inserts and looked for patients’ experiences online. I...reactions3comments
How A 24-Hour Cancellation Policy Harms Chronic Pain PatientsWe’ve all done it. You forget about that self-care appointment or double book yourself and forget to cancel. These instances are frustrating for businesses, so they’ve adopted a 24-hour cancellation...reactions27comments
Migraine with Limb PainFor a while, I thought my migraines might be gone for good. Then I realized they weren’t gone; they’d changed. I rarely got an aura, or if I did, I...reactions15comments
Angie's Challenge: Migraines and Trying to ConceiveAngie has been living with migraines for years. They started shortly after she underwent brain surgery in 2008 for a seizure disorder. Her biggest challenge today is managing her migraines...reactionscomments
3 Reasons I've Said I'm Feeling Okay When I'm Not"Mom," my son begins timidly, "are there different types of lies?" Well, now my 8-year-old has my attention. I think back through our day, wondering if a particular event triggered...reactions17comments
Migraine Fatigue: It’s Beyond Feeling TiredMigraine attacks come with a plethora of symptoms and side effects. These can be from both the migraine itself or even our self-care measures like the abortive medications we use...reactions20comments
A Shift In Weather and My Migraine BasketI live in the midwest, which is known for its whiplash in weather changes, including warm and cold fronts. We had a pretty calm fall in terms of cold fronts...reactions10comments
Why You Need a Support Person During Doctor's VisitsAny visit to your doctor's office, let alone the first appointment, can be a nerve-wracking experience. You can make lists, practice your questions out loud, and take other measures, but...reactions17comments
Med Students and MigrainesI lived in Philadelphia for four years in my twenties. The Philadelphia region has nine medical schools. No matter what kind of doctor I went to, whether my primary care...reactions10comments