Receiving a migraine diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It’s a relief to finally have a name for what you’ve been experiencing, but it also comes with a lot of questions. How do you manage migraine attacks? What migraine treatments are available? What lifestyle changes can make a difference?
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. There are many ways to take control of your health and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to refine your management strategies, here are the next steps to consider after a migraine diagnosis.
** While Migraine Strong writes about the latest in migraine treatments, this is not medical advice. We are patient educators. All information you read about should be discussed with your doctor.
1. Find the Right Medical Support: Why a Headache Specialist Matters
Migraine is a complex neurological disease, and not all doctors are equipped to provide the specialized care you need. While a general practitioner or general neurologist may have some experience with migraine, a headache specialist has additional training and focuses on treating headache disorders. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan, identify triggers, and explore cutting-edge therapies. If you have high frequency attacks, headache specialists are your best bet for treatment.
How to Find A Headache Specialist
Finding a headache specialist can take time, but it’s worth the effort. The American Migraine Foundation and the National Headache Foundation offer directories to help locate specialists. Online support groups can also be a great resource for recommendations.
Neura Health is an online neurology clinic. They offer online appointments in a fraction of the time it takes locally. You can see a trained headache provider in a matter of days. They also offer care coaching and a migraine tracker that is reviewed by your headache provider. Read about our experience with Neura Health in this review article. You can also see interviews with various Neura Health providers on the Migraine Strong Instagram. Go to our grid and look for the purple covers indicating what we talked about and with whom.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To get the most out of your visit, come prepared. Keep a symptom journal detailing your attacks—when they occur, how long they last, and what symptoms accompany them. List past treatments and their effectiveness, and write down any questions you have. The more information you provide, the better your doctor can tailor your treatment.
2. Learn About Available Treatments – Acute vs. Preventive Medications
Migraine treatment generally falls into two categories: acute and preventive. Acute medications, such as triptans and gepants, are taken at the onset of an attack to stop it from progressing. Preventive treatments, like beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and CGRP inhibitors, aim to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
CGRP Medications
CGRP inhibitors are a breakthrough in migraine treatment. These medications, which include IV infusion (Vyepti), injectables (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality) as well as oral options (Qulipta, Nurtec, Ubrelvy, Reyvow, Zavzpret) target a protein involved in migraine attacks. Many patients find relief with these new therapies. Those with commercial insurance can qualify for Patient Assistance programs offered by the pharmaceutical companies which help make the new medications more affordable.
Nerve Blocks & Botox
For those with frequent attacks, nerve blocks and Botox injections can be effective preventive options. These treatments work by disrupting pain signals and reducing inflammation in the nervous system.
Neuromodulation Devices
Non-medication options are also available, such as neuromodulation devices like Cefaly, gammaCore, and Nerivio. These devices use electrical pulses to modulate pain pathways and can be a great alternative for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches.
3. Consider Supplements That May Help
Many migraine specialists recommend supplements as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some of the most commonly suggested options include:
- Magnesium glycinate, threonate or malate: Can help with brain excitability and reduce attack frequency. These are also better tolerated than magnesium oxide which is the most studied, but often causes intestinal issues.
- Riboflavin (B2): May improve mitochondrial function and reduce migraine severity.
- CoQ10: Supports cellular energy production and has been shown to decrease attack frequency.
- Feverfew & Butterbur: Herbal options that some find beneficial for migraine prevention.
- Ginger: Helps with nausea and can also treat the symptoms of a migraine attack.
When choosing supplements, look for third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. Always consult with your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine. Our Supplement Dispensary offers quality brand supplements and a discount for all of our readers.
4. Prioritize Sleep for Better Migraine Control
Why Sleep is Crucial – Sleep disturbances are closely linked to migraine attacks. Poor sleep quality can make attacks more frequent and severe.
Tips for Better Sleep
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
- Limit screen time before bed.
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, discuss it with your doctor. Treating underlying sleep issues can significantly improve migraine management.
5. Include Daily Movement in Your Routine
Exercise can be a powerful tool for migraine management, but it’s important to approach it carefully. High-intensity workouts and Couch-to-5k programs are best put off until you know how exercise affects your migraine disease. Some people find vigorous exercise triggers migraine attacks.
Best Types of Exercise for Migraine
Gentle movement is often best, including:
- Walking
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Low-impact strength training
How to Start Without Triggering an Attack
Begin slowly and listen to your body. Stay hydrated, warm up properly, and avoid overexertion. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, spend a few weeks ramping up. Start with laps around your living room and gradually expand the amount of time and distance you walk. Over time, regular movement can help reduce attack frequency and improve overall well-being.
6. Discover the Benefits of Meditation and Stress Management
Stress is a major trigger for many people with migraine. When we experience stress, cortisol levels rise, which can lead to increased attack frequency.
Meditation & Breathwork Techniques: Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditations specifically for headache relief.
Other stress management techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, journaling, and biofeedback. Finding what works for you can make a significant difference in migraine management.
7. Try an Elimination Diet to Identify Triggers
While not everyone has food triggers, some people find that certain foods contribute to their attacks. Common culprits include caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in glutamate.
Types of Elimination Diets
Heal Your Headache Diet: Focuses on avoiding common migraine-triggering foods.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diets: Some find relief by eliminating these foods.
How to Reintroduce Foods Safely
If you try an elimination diet, it’s important to reintroduce foods one at a time to identify specific triggers. Keep a journal to track symptoms and make adjustments as needed. Our article on reintroducing eliminated foods helps demystify this process.
8. Find Community and Support
The Power of Connecting With Others
Living with migraine can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Where to Find Support
- Online communities like Migraine Strong and Bezzy Migraine.
- Local or virtual support groups.
- Social media groups focused on migraine advocacy and education.
Advocacy & Awareness
Many people find purpose in advocating for migraine awareness. Whether it’s sharing your story, supporting migraine research, or participating in advocacy efforts, getting involved can be empowering.
Conclusion
Managing migraine is a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to take small, sustainable steps toward better health. Whether it’s finding the right doctor, trying new treatments, or making lifestyle changes, know that you have options. And most importantly, you’re not alone—support is out there, and you’re part of a community that understands.
Read our article about the Treatment Pie for more information about how you can start trying to manage migraine. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and join our private Migraine Strong Facebook Group for education, support, and community.