Facts About Migraine Diagnosis

When left untreated, migraine can be debilitating, making it essential to understand your symptoms and learn how you can protect yourself against the next attack.

Migraine diagnosis criteria

Every person is different and the number of symptoms you may experience during a migraine attack may vary. To receive a migraine diagnosis, you must experience at least five attacks with several of the following symptoms:

• Severe fatigue
• Confusion
• Sound and light sensitivity
• Náuseas
• Odor sensitivity
• Headache lasting four to 72 hours
• Unilateral or bilateral headache location

Undiagnosed migraine facts

Receiving an accurate diagnosis is an essential step in treating your migraine. However, many physicians often miss or misdiagnose migraine. Some facts and figures surrounding migraine misdiagnosis include:

• One study found that 44% of people had no medical migraine diagnosis even after meeting the criteria.
• Women and people at higher income levels are more likely to receive a migraine diagnosis.
• People experiencing migraine accompanied by aura, vomiting or disability are more likely to obtain a diagnosis.
• Of undiagnosed subjects, up to 80% experience some form of headache-related disability.

Getting a migraine diagnosis

It's essential to examine your symptoms and work with your medical provider to ensure you receive a diagnosis and begin an accurate treatment plan. While the exact process will vary, getting a migraine diagnosis may include the following:

• Neurologist: Neurologists specialize in headaches and will ask you about your symptoms, the duration of your headaches and which location in your head they occur.
• MRI: By using magnetic waves and radio waves, MRI machines can produce detailed brain images to diagnose underlying medical conditions.
• CT scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to take pictures of the brain to verify that you are not experiencing an infection, bleeding or brain damage.

How to get an accurate migraine diagnosis

Migraine are often unpredictable and can occur without additional symptoms. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis can take time and require patience and honesty with your doctor. Some ways you can improve the diagnosis process include:

• Keeping notes of your symptoms.
• Being honest with your doctor.
• Ruling out other factors or conditions.
• Getting a second opinion.

Traditional treatment options for migraine

There are a variety of traditional treatment options available to help reduce the symptoms of a migraine. Some treatment options eliminate symptoms, while others reduce the number and duration of attacks. The top treatment options include:

Pain relievers

Pain relievers work best when taken as soon as migraine signs and symptoms begin. Whether you take an over-the-counter option or a prescribed medication from your doctor, use the pain reliever as directed for the most benefit.

Preventive medication

If you have frequent, long-lasting or severe headaches that do not respond to treatment, your doctor may prescribe preventive medication. Some options include blood-pressure-lowering medications, antidepressants and Botox injections.

Lifestyle changes

You can also make lifestyle changes to relieve and prevent migraine symptoms. For example, when the symptoms of a migraine begin, try going to a quiet, darkened room, placing an ice pack on your forehead and drinking lots of water. 

Defend against migraine with a CEFALY device

CEFALY devices offer effective, clinically proven migraine relief and prevention without a prescription. Our simple treatment process involves the following:

1. Clean and dry your skin.
2. Place the electrode on your forehead.
3. Connect the device.
4. Use the ACUTE mode to relieve migraine symptoms.
5. Use the PREVENT mode to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine.

Start treating and preventing migraine with CEFALY today!

At CEFALY, we believe you should treat migraine on your terms. Our devices offer a modern solution to taking control of your migraine symptoms. Purchase a CEFALY device for yourself today!