Migraine treatment options

{{whyLabel}}: General practitioners often lack the specialized knowledge of 2025/2026 CGRP-targeted therapies and neuromodulation.

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• Search for a board-certified neurologist or a dedicated headache clinic.
• Request a review of 'preventive' vs 'abortive' strategies.
• Ask specifically about Greater Occipital Nerve Blocks (GONB) if you have frequent attacks.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Appointment is confirmed in your calendar.

{{whyLabel}}: Accurate data is the only way to identify triggers and prove treatment efficacy to your insurance or doctor.

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• Download a specialized migraine tracking app (e.g., Migraine Buddy or similar free alternatives).
• Log every attack, including duration, intensity (1-10), and suspected triggers.
• Track 'prodrome' symptoms like yawning or food cravings that occur before the pain.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: App is installed and the first 3 entries are completed.

{{whyLabel}}: This 2024/2025 resource provides a comprehensive overview of 150+ evidence-based ways to stop pain, from supplements to high-tech options.

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• Focus on the chapters regarding magnesium glycinate and riboflavin dosages.
• Note the sections on 'Gepants' and 'Ditans' to discuss with your doctor.
• Use the book to create a list of questions for your specialist.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Key chapters are read and notes are taken for the doctor's visit.

{{whyLabel}}: Having everything in one place reduces stress and movement during the early stages of an attack.

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• Include generic electrolyte powder for rapid hydration.
• Add a high-quality, wrap-around ice pack or cooling cap.
• Include earplugs and a contoured blackout eye mask.
• Store your prescribed acute medication in this kit.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All items are gathered in a dedicated, easily accessible bag.

{{whyLabel}}: Sensory overload (light/sound) is a primary driver of migraine intensity.

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• Install blackout curtains or use temporary window covers.
• Remove or cover all small LED lights from electronics.
• Set up a white noise machine or a fan to mask sudden environmental sounds.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The room can be made pitch black and silent within 30 seconds.

{{whyLabel}}: Devices like Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) or External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) are drug-free alternatives with high efficacy.

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• Discuss with your doctor which type (arm-worn vs. forehead-worn) fits your migraine type.
• Check if your insurance covers these 'Durable Medical Equipment' items.
• Follow the manufacturer's protocol for 'acute' use at the first sign of an aura.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Device is purchased/prescribed and you have completed one test session.

{{whyLabel}}: The migraine brain craves routine; even a 1-hour shift on weekends can trigger 'let-down' migraines.

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• Set a fixed wake-up and sleep time for all 7 days of the week.
• Avoid screens 60 minutes before bed to protect melatonin production.
• Use a habit tracker to mark off each successful day for the next 66 days.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: 66 consecutive days of consistent sleep timing achieved.

{{whyLabel}}: Dehydration is one of the most common and preventable triggers.

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• Use a generic 1-liter water bottle with time markings.
• Drink 500ml immediately upon waking to counteract overnight fluid loss.
• Limit caffeine to a consistent, low amount daily (do not fluctuate).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Daily water intake goal met for 14 consecutive days.

{{whyLabel}}: MBSR is clinically proven to reduce migraine frequency by lowering the nervous system's reactivity.

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• Use a free app or online video for 'Progressive Muscle Relaxation' (PMR).
• Focus on releasing tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
• Practice daily, even when you don't have a headache, to build the skill.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: 15-minute session completed daily for 30 days.

{{whyLabel}}: Certain chemicals like tyramine, nitrates, and MSG can trigger attacks in sensitive individuals.

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• For 3 weeks, avoid aged cheeses, cured meats, and artificial sweeteners.
• Reintroduce one food group at a time while monitoring your headache diary.
• Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to stabilize blood sugar.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: 3-week elimination phase completed and triggers identified.

{{whyLabel}}: These are the newest 'preventive' injections (monthly or quarterly) designed specifically for the migraine pathway.

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• Bring your 60-day headache diary to the follow-up appointment.
• Discuss if you meet the criteria (usually 4+ migraine days per month).
• Ask about the difference between self-injections and IV infusions.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Decision made with a doctor to start or defer CGRP therapy.

{{whyLabel}}: High-dose Riboflavin (400mg) and Magnesium (400-600mg) are Level A/B evidence-based preventives.

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• Purchase generic Magnesium Glycinate (easier on the stomach).
• Purchase Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Coenzyme Q10.
• Take consistently for at least 3 months, as benefits take time to manifest.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Supplements purchased and first dose taken.

{{whyLabel}}: Long-term success requires adjusting the plan based on what actually worked for your specific brain.

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• Compare your headache frequency from Month 1 vs Month 3.
• Identify which habit (Sleep, Exercise, Eat, Diary, Stress) had the highest impact.
• Double down on the effective habits and discard the ones that didn't help.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A written summary of 'What Works for Me' is created.