Migraine Mode

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I think I have Chronic Migraine

Living with Chronic Migraine means having frequent, persistent headaches.

If you're living with Chronic Migraine,
you're experiencing:

15

or more days of headaches eachmonths (also called headache days) including

sun img
08

or more days of headaches that havefeatures of migraines each month

3

or more months

If you have Chronic Migraine, you're not alone. It's estimated that more than 370,000 Canadian adults suffer from
Chronic Migraine.

Can you Recognize your Migraines?

Migraines are headaches that:

  • Are usually moderate to severe in intensity
  • Are throbbing or pulsating
  • Often occur on one side of the head
  • Can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and/or sound
  • Can get worse by routine physical activity (such as walking or climbing stairs)
  • Can be associated with changes in vision or hearing (also known as aura)
  • Can last from 4 hours to 3 days

Because Chronic Migraine can be difficult to diagnose, it's important to tell your doctor about the number and the nature of the headaches you're experiencing. There are simple tools that can help. Check out the Identifying Chronic Migraine Screener below.

IDENTIFYING CHRONIC MIGRAINE
(ID-CM) SCREENER

The ID-CM Screener can help your doctor confirm if you have Chronic
Migraine.

Take the ID-CM Screener
What is the ID-CM Scanner?

Taking acute headache medications – including
over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications
– too often can result in more frequent headaches. This is
called medication overuse headache.

While the results of this screener may suggest you have Chronic Migraine, they do not replace a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional. It's very important to discuss the results with your doctor.

It can be difficult to remember specific details about headaches and migraines you have experienced weeks or months ago. Learn about tracking your headaches with the easy-to-use Headache Diary below.

HEADACHE DIARY

The Headache Diary can help you and your doctor better understand
your headache patterns.

Download the Headache Diary
How do i get Started?

To begin tracking your headaches, download the diary. Complete it every day, as accurately as possible, noting every headache, no matter how mild. Take the diary with you to each of your doctor’s appointments and share the details with your doctor.

Now you're equipped with tools to help your doctor better understand your condition, but you likely have questions about treatment. Whether you're considering treatment or have already tried some medications, you may have more options available than you think.

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR

Talking to your doctor is an important step toward finding a treatment
that's right for you.

Get the conversation started ?

To get an important conversation started about your condition and available treatments, take your completed ID-CM Screener and the Headache Diary to your next doctor's appointment. With the information from these tools, your doctor and you can together decide on the best course of treatment, which may include preventative and acute medications in addition to simple lifestyle changes.

If you're suffering from frequent headaches, you could be living with Chronic Migraine. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and getting a treatment that's right for you. If you're currently not seeing a specialist and you think you could benefit from one, find a specialist and ask your family doctor for a referral.

To learn more about Chronic Migraine, explore Frequently Asked Questions.