A migraine disorder is referred to as ‘chronic’ when the person with migraine experiences attacks on 15 or more days per month, each month, for three or more months. These symptoms can include the headache, aura, or both. Keeping a headache diary can help confirm the diagnosis. Chronic migraine can be debilitating. A person’s routine can be disrupted at any time by a migraine attack, which affects work life, social commitments, and relationships. This can be managed by taking preventative medications such as tablets (e.g., beta blockers or serotonin antagonists), onabotulinum toxin A (‘botox’) injections around the forehead, scalp, and shoulders, and/or CGRP monoclonal antibody injections. The CGRP monoclonal antibodies are a class of medications that have been developed specifically for migraine. Many varieties are in the development pipeline and are likely to become available in the coming years. The effectiveness of treatments varies greatly from person to person. Good sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate water intake, low or no caffeine, and stress management are extremely important lifestyle factors that can also have a big impact on migraine attack frequency and intensity.
Further information for chronic migraine
Migraine – a common and distressing disorder – a detailed introduction and overview of migraine
Preventive strategies & treatments, including:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Conventional migraine preventives
- Onabotulinum toxin A (Botox)
- Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies
- Complementary and alternative treatments
- Neurostimulation
New Treatment Updates – CGRPs and their PBS application/approval status
Medication Overuse Headache, a complication of chronic migraine – from Migraine & Headache Awareness Week 2019
