If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know it’s not just a bad headache. It’s a full-body experience that can derail your entire day—or even several. From pounding, throbbing pain to nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances, migraines affect over 1 in 8 people, and they’re one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
At Intrepid Health, many patients come in after years of silently struggling with migraines — not realizing that these symptoms can be treated or even prevented. As part of their comprehensive primary and urgent care services, the medical team can:
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of neurological condition, not just a severe headache. It’s often characterized by recurrent attacks of throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, and can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
Many people also experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Visual disturbances (known as “aura”)
- Dizziness or difficulty speaking
- Extreme fatigue—before, during, or after the migraine
Some people get aura migraines, where they see flashing lights or zigzag lines before the headache begins. Others may have silent migraines, where aura or other symptoms occur without head pain.
Common Migraine Triggers
Identifying and avoiding your personal migraine triggers is a key part of prevention. Triggers vary from person to person but can include:
- Hormonal changes (e.g. during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause)
- Stress or anxiety
- Certain foods or drinks, such as aged cheese, red wine, caffeine, or MSG
- Irregular sleep—either too little or too much
- Dehydration or missed meals
- Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells
- Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
Tip: Keeping a migraine diary can help you spot patterns and pinpoint your most common triggers.
Treatment Options: Acute and Preventive
Acute (as-needed) Treatments:
These are taken at the onset of a migraine to reduce the severity and duration of the attack.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin
- Prescription medications: triptans (e.g. sumatriptan), which target the migraine process directly
- Anti-nausea drugs: helpful if migraines come with severe nausea or vomiting
Preventive Treatments:
These are taken daily or regularly to reduce how often and how severely migraines occur.
- Prescription medications: such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or certain antidepressants
- Botox injections: approved for chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month)
- CGRP inhibitors: newer, targeted migraine prevention medications
- Supplements: magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10 may be helpful for some
Lifestyle Approaches That Can Help
Even with medication, lifestyle adjustments can go a long way toward managing migraines.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
- Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals
- Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Exercise regularly—low-impact movement like walking or swimming can be especially helpful
- Try acupuncture or massage therapy—both have shown promise for some migraine sufferers
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Occasional migraines are manageable, but chronic migraines or sudden changes in symptoms should be evaluated by a professional.
You should book an appointment if you:
- Have migraines more than 4 times a month
- Find that migraines are impacting work, school, or daily life
- Experience aura symptoms for the first time
- Notice changes in the pattern, intensity, or location of your pain
- Have a sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had before
- Need to use medication more than 10 days per month
🤝 How Intrepid Health Can Help
At Intrepid Health, we work closely with patients to:
- Diagnose different types of headaches and migraines
- Identify and track triggers
- Develop comprehensive treatment plans, including medication, supplements, and lifestyle tools
- Refer to neurologists or headache specialists when needed
- Offer ongoing support to reduce frequency and severity of migraine episodes
Ready to take control of your migraines? Book a visit today: https://intrepid.cortico.ca
Questions? Email us: appointments@intrepidhealthgroup.com
Migraines may be common, but they don’t have to control your life. With the right tools and support, long-term relief is possible.
