Headaches and migraine
Questions in this guide
Preparing before the next headache hits
The best preparation for a headache visit happens while you are feeling fine. MedlinePlus states that headache is the most common form of pain, so the symptom itself will not surprise anyone. What helps is detail. Cleveland Clinic lists throbbing as one way migraine headache pain may feel, so describe the quality of your pain in your own words. A general overview of pain is a good place to start the background reading.
Eight questions, from risk to red flags
Read these in order. The first ones help you place your own pattern, the middle ones cover triggers and habits, and the last two lead toward the visit itself.
- Are You at Risk for Chronic Migraine?
- How common is cluster headache?
- Does caffeine affect headaches?
- Can allergies cause migraine?
- Can exercise help you avoid a migraine?
- Does acupuncture work for migraine?
- What Is Medication Overuse Headache?
- When Is Cervicogenic Headache Serious?
What to have ready for the appointment
Keep a simple log of when each headache starts, how long it lasts and what you took for it. Ask the office whether it wants that log on paper or on your phone. If you are in Bloomfield or nearby, send the log ahead when the office allows it. A professional society for pain medicine shows how the specialty talks about its work, which can help you phrase your questions.