Migraine

When To Call A Professional

Most people who get migraines do not need to see a doctor. However, you should see a doctor if you have any "red flag" symptoms that could indicate a serious, underlying medical problem. These include:

• Migraines that get worse over time

• New migraines in a person over age 40

• Severe headaches that start suddenly (often known as thunderclap headaches)

• Migraine that worsen with exercise, sexual intercourse, coughing or sneezing

• Headaches with unusual symptoms such as passing out, loss of vision, or difficulty walking or speaking

• Migraines that start after a head injury

• Migraines that always occur on the same side of the head

• Migraines in a person with certain medical problems including high blood pressure, cancer or AIDS

• Migraines in a person with a family history of brain aneurysms

In addition, you may want to see your health care professional if you have headaches that do not get better with over-the-counter medications; severe headaches that interrupt work or the enjoyment of daily activities; or daily headaches.

Prognosis

Most people who develop migraines will continue to have intermittent headaches over many years. However, many people learn to control or to live with their headaches. In addition, migraines often diminish when people reach their 50s or 60s.

Additional Info

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke P.O. Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 Toll-Free: (800) 352-9424 http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

National Headache Foundation 428 West Saint James Place 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60614-2750 Toll-Free:(800) 643-5552 http://www.headaches.org/

American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) 19 Mantua Rd. Mt. Royal, NJ 08061 Phone: (856) 423-0258 Toll-Free: (800) 255-2243 Fax: (856) 423-0082 http://www.achenet.org/