Is Migraine a Progressive Brain Disease?

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It's an approach I believe in and have taught here as well. It encompasses what we consider to be the four aspects of Migraine health care:

Trigger identification and management
Preventive treatment
Attack abortive treatment
Pain management (rescue medications) as needed

As always, I encourage you to keep learning and to take charge of your health and your health care. Address the four aspects above, and work with your primary physician to manage your overall health in a way the reduces risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Keep working on Migraine prevention, and treat a Migraine attack as soon as possible. All of these will help keep you healthier longer.

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Resources:

¹ Mark C. Kruit, MD; Mark A. van Buchem, MD, PhD; Paul A. M. Hofman, MD, PhD; Jacobus T. N. Bakkers, MD; Gisela M. Terwindt, MD, PhD; Michel D. Ferrari, MD, PhD; Lenore J. Launer, PhD. "Migraine as a Risk Factor for Subclinical Brain Lesions." JAMA. 2004;291:427-434.

² Richard B. Lipton, MD; Julie Pan, MD, PhD. "Is Migraine a Progressive Brain Disease?" JAMA. 2004;291:493-494.

³ Joanna Schaffhausen. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? "Migraine Maladies: Migraines May Starve Brain of Oxygen, Causing Lasting Damage." abcNEWS.com. January 27, 2004.

⁴ Michael John Coleman and Susan Moeller Denny of MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association. Personal interview with Teri Robert. January 31, 2004.

⁵ Dr. Fred Sheftell. Personal interview with Teri Robert. January 31, 2004.

Last updated December 2, 2007.