Migraine Questions
Common migraine questions and answers
Latest
How do TAC (trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia) headaches differ from migraine?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
TAC headaches include cluster and hemicrania-type headaches. Cluster headaches are shorter lasting and more painful than migraine.
How can we deal with stress to empower ourselves against migraine?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
Stress is a common trigger for migraine, so it’s important to learn to manage it appropriately with techniques like biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and practicing mindfulness.
What is a quick, effective way to keep a migraine diary?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
Especially if you have frequent migraines, keep a simple paper calendar and mark green, yellow, or red for the days you have mild, medium, or severe attacks.
What is the best way of keeping a migraine diary?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
A migraine diary can be simple or very detailed, so using an app can be a timesaver. Don’t let your life be all about migraine.A migraine diary can be simple or very detailed, so using an app can be a timesaver. Don’t let your life be all about migraine.
Why keep a migraine diary?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
A diary helps us and our medical provider identify the frequency and patterns of migraine attacks.
Why doesn’t keeping a migraine diary solve the problem of food triggers?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
Although there are common food triggers, identifying them is difficult with a diary. Migraine is a genetic neurobiological disorder and attacks will happen no matter what you do.
How can we get help to maintain a migraine friendly diet?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
A one-time consultation with a nutritionist can help with a migraine-friendly diet. It’s a good idea to talk with friends and family to make a shared commitment to eat a healthy, low-glycemic diet.
How can I eat to avoid migraine attacks and triggers?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
Foods are common migraine triggers, but not everyone has the same triggers. Focus on eating a healthy diet, including avoiding MSG and processed foods.
How can we modify our diet to help prevent migraine headaches?
Amaal J. Starling, MD, FAHS, FAAN
Dr. Amaal Starling of the Mayo Clinic shares that the secret of migraine control through diet is to be consistent. Avoid peaks and valleys in blood sugar by eating frequently and eating healthy foods with a lower glycemic index.
How does a MTHFR gene mutation lead to a developing treatment for migraine with aura?
Professor Lyn Griffiths, PhD, BSc Hons
Genetic studies show that a mutation in the MTHFR gene can cause migraine with aura and other disorders. For those people, treatment with a nutraceutical can help.
How can personalized medicine be used for patients with hemiplegic migraine?
Professor Lyn Griffiths, PhD, BSc Hons
Causal genes and gene variants have been discovered for hemiplegic migraine. A patient’s DNA can be tested to determine which type they have and which treatment will help.
What new and developing genetic techniques are used to study familial hemiplegic migraine?
Professor Lyn Griffiths, PhD, BSc Hons
Dr. Lyn Griffiths uses the latest genetic technology to discover genes causing familial hemiplegic migraine.
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