Living with Chronic Migraine means
Having
or more days of headaches eachmonths (also called headache days) including
or more days of headaches that havefeatures of migraines each month
or more months
This means that you can have Chronic Migraineeven if not all of your headaches are migraines
Because there are different types of headaches, even your doctor may find it difficult to recognize Chronic Migraine. But there is a simple tool that can help. Check out the Identifying Chronic Migraine Screener below.
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.
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.
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.
Can help Reduce the Frequency, severity and duration of Headaches
Can help relieve your Symptoms after a migraine or headache starts
May also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, or help sufferers cope with migraines
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.
Talk to your family doctor or a specialist to find out how preventative, acute, and alternative treatments may benefit you.
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.