Diagnosing Migraine
Overview
With over 39 million people living with migraine and other severe headache disorders in the U.S., primary care providers are often the first point of contact for patients. Our experts outline the burden and epidemiology of headache disorders. You will also learn how to diagnose migraine as well as identify common migraine variants and other headache disorders.
Test Your Knowledge
Videos
Headache 101 with Dr. Andrew Hershey
There are a number of aspects that Andrew Hershey, MD, PhD, FAHS, counsels his patients on when they see him for headache treatment. In this video, he discusses the basics of headache diagnostics and treatment, and how to explain them to patients.
Migraine Symptoms on Non-headache Days
Patients with migraine often experience headache-like symptoms during the period between headache episodes, known as the interictal state. Juliana VanderPluym, MD, FAHS, shares how interictal state symptoms fit into the larger picture of life with migraine for some patients, and what we know about treatment options.
News & Articles
Red Flags in Headache—What if it isn’t Migraine?
What primary care providers should look for if they suspect a patient’s headaches are notRead More
Research Summary: Quality Improvement in Neurology - Headache Quality Measurement Set
Headache®: The Journal of Head and Face Pain recently published Quality Improvement in Neurology: HeadacheRead More
Infant Colic and Maternal Migraine Linked in New Study
A study published in Headache® shows that moms with migraine are more likely to haveRead More
Headache 101 with Dr. Andrew Hershey
Andrew Hershey, MD, PhD, FAHS, walks through the characteristics of headache and how to classifyRead More
From the Journal: The Prevalence of Migraine and Severe Headache
Research from Headache characterizes the prevalence of this debilitating disease Migraine and severe headache areRead More
Podcasts
Asking the Right Questions to Diagnose Migraine
Dr. Brian Plato explains how providers can diagnose migraine through a systematic set of questions to feel confident in their diagnosis.
Headache Management over Telemedicine
Dr. Robblee shares tips for preparing a patient for a virtual visit, conducting a neurological exam over video, keeping patients out of the emergency room and more.
Surprising Truths About Migraine and Epidemiology
Providers should be comfortable with recognizing and diagnosing migraine. Dr. Christopher Gottschalk explains epidemiology and the value of migraine diagnosis and treatment in the primary care setting.
Resources
Patient Resources
What Is Migraine?
What is migraine? Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of this disabling neurological condition affecting more than 39 million Americans.Read More
What to do After a Migraine Diagnosis
To help those coping with a recent migraine diagnosis, lean on this guide to show you how to communicate your needs to your support network, and more. Read More
What Type of Headache Do You Have? | American Migraine Foundation
Use our guide to help narrow down the most common types of migraine to find out what kind of headache you have. Read More
How to Explain Migraine
We asked our Move Against Migraine community to share exercises and analogies they find useful when they try to explain migraine to others.Read More
Modeling Migraine Conversations
Here are some tips to navigate migraine conversations to help you prepare to be your own best advocate at work, school or home.Read More
Migraine's Contributing Factors | The American Migraine Foundation
Enter your name and email for a free download of our guide on migraine's contributing factors. Read More
Talking to Your Doctor about Migrainel | The American Migraine Foundation
Enter your name and email for a free download of our guide: Talking to Your Doctor about Migraine.Read More
Impact of Migraine: Explaining Your Migraine to Your Children
Explaining migraine to your child is important to help them understand what their parent is going through. Here's a guide to get you started.Read More
Why Do I Have Migraine?
Dr. Andrew Hershey outlines migraine’s contributing factors and what you can do to prevent a migraine attack.Read More
Common Types of Migraine and Related Symptoms
Find out about the common types of migraine and their related symptoms from Dr. Nada Ahmad Hindiyeh in this Facebook Live recap.Read More
Over-the-Counter Medications vs. Prescription Medications
Find out whether over-the-counter medications or prescription medications are better for treating your migraine symptoms.Read More
How Gepants and Ditans Complement Existing Therapies
Gepants and ditans are the latest treatments for migraine. Read more on how these treatments complement and differ from existing therapies.Read More
What to Do When Migraine Treatment Fails?
Not every migraine treatment works for everyone. Learn how to talk to your doctor to create a treatment plan that works for you so you can get the relief you need.Read More
Migraine Emergency Survival Guide | The American Migraine Foundation
Enter your name and email for a free download of our guide: Migraine Emergency Survival GuideRead More
Understanding Migraine Medications | The American Migraine Foundation
Enter your name and email for a free download of our guide: Understanding Migraine MedicationsRead More
The Facts About Migraine
Find out more on the facts about migraine with this handy guide on the disease provided by the American Migraine Foundation.Read More
Migraine Without Aura
About 70-75% of migraine patients do not experience aura. Learn more about the diagnosis, treatment, and phases of migraine without aura.Read More
What It's Like Getting Diagnosed with Migraine
Diagnosis can be a lonely process. Hear how Stacy found support.Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Symptoms
Have questions about migraine symptoms? We have answers. Learn more about the different signs of a migraine attack, when to seek help, and more.Read More
How Long Does a Migraine Attack Last?
When a migraine attack starts, you might wonder how long it will last and how to treat your symptoms. Learn about the timing involved and when to take action.Read More
The Timeline of a Migraine Attack
The best way to treat migraine is to understand the timeline of an attack and how each phase has its own distinct symptoms. Learn more about early treatment.Read More
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The First Contact – Headache in Primary Care program is always being updated as new information and resources become available. Please let us know what other resources you would find helpful.
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