GETTING DIAGNOSED
Migraines are not a type of head pain that you can or should ignore. Long-term effects of untreated migraines can be severe and may lead to other co-morbidities in later stages of life.1
To diagnose a patient, a healthcare expert will often evaluate their symptoms and medical history during an assessment consultation. They will inquire various questions2 to assess:
FREQUENCY OF ATTACKS1,3
PAIN CHARACTERISTICS1
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE PRESENT SUCH AS NAUSEA OR AURA1,2,3
TIMING OF ATTACKS3
TYPE OF PAIN SUCH AS THROBBING OR PULSING1,3
RELIEVING FACTORS1
AGGRAVATING FACTORS3
FAMILY HISTORY1,3
MEDICATIONS TAKEN FOR RELIEF1,3
To rule out other underlying medical disorders, your doctor may conduct a physical examination for diagnosis confirmation.1 Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to eliminate other potential causes of headache pain, such as brain tumors.1
To achieve a precise diagnosis, it is critical to be open and honest with your healthcare practitioner about your symptoms and medical background.
Once a diagnosis of migraine has been made, your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.1,3