what are the tests for migraine headaches?

Question

What tests are done for people with migraine headaches?

Answer 1

Primarily History: Migraine can generally be diagnosed from history. Some historical factors may signal the need for more extensive testing such as ct, MRI or eeg.

Answer 2

It is a clinical Dx: Migraine is a DX made by knowledgable clinician that takes a very careful history and physical exam. Test or consults needed to rule out anemia, thyroid, sinus, dental, eye problems, brain masses, neuralgias, food reax. If no cause is found, then DX is primary migraine, in which all tests r negative. There are excellent treatments for migraine, so work w neuro till best rx or prevention found.

Answer 3

No specific tests: There are no diagnostic tests for migraine headaches. Migraine is a syndrome for which there is a genetic predisposition. Migraine headaches tend to occur in genetically predisposed individuals during times that the individual is more vulnerable and in response to specific triggers. For more information see: http://understandingmigraine.blogspot.com/

Answer 4

Yes!: Excedrin migraine and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen, naproxen, Ketoprofen all work well for many people. Sometimes a little caffeine or chocolate does just the trick [unless those are migraine triggers for you!]. Talk with your doc about prevention if your headaches are frequent, severe, your meds don't work, or it's changing your life. Good luck.

Answer 5

Yes: They can be. Excedrine migraine can be very effective. If they do not work for you then see your doctor.

Answer 6

Yes: Most headaches can be managed with otc meds. If the headaches are persistent and occurring frequently then you should have further eval and discuss with pcp. Be careful with excedrine and other meds containing caffeine. These can cause rebound headaches if taken chronically.

Answer 7

For some people: Over-the-counter medications can be very effective for some migraines in some people. Many people get relief from medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Combination medications such as Excedrin Migraine or Bayer Migraine formulas, which contain aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine are particularly effective in some individuals. For more informaition see: http://understandingmigraine.blogspot.com/

Answer 8

Yes: Actually it is more helpful to avoid certain foods that may trigger your migraines. These foods vary from person to person.

Answer 9

Possibly: There is emerging evidence that suggest certain diets can help reduce pain and headaches. For instance, a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 seems to be important. Also, dietary polyamines and magnesium have been shown to be helpfull.

Answer 10

Food triggers: May be better to avoid some foods, can be individual. Some foods contain chemicals, e.g. Tyramine, or histamine, that affect blood vessels, might then affect headache. Some evidence that skipping meals is bad. Aged cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, some nuts, cultured milk products, some fruits like bananas, kiwi, figs, dried fruit, walnuts, smoked fish, yeast extract. Check w/md, maybe rd.

Answer 11

Migraine and menopau: Yes it can be worse if it is triggered by hormonal changes.

Answer 12

Stress migraine: Many illness exacerbations are due to or least somewhat influenced by stress. Stress in the form of worsened sleep, anxious worry, muscle tension, chronic dread, and vigilance could increase frequency and even severity of migraine. Biofeedback which coordinates relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and imagery is a successful treatment - for migraine and other illnesses felt to stress-related.

Answer 13

Stress and migraines: There is a complex relationship between psychological and physical aspects of our mind and body. There is no definitive answer here, but stress can certainly intensify pain during migraine episodes. Some people have a pathway where emotional distress leads to a physiological response like migraines. It is always a good idea to reduce stress in ones life to support overall well-being.

Answer 14

Yes: Stress can trigger migraine attacks.

Answer 15

Stress: Triggers for migraine headaches can include things like stress, odors/scents, neck tension, alcohol, hormonal changes(such as menses), lights, smoke or other fumes, ^'ed physical activity, particular foods, becoming overheated ; sleep patterns.

Answer 16

History : Migraine is diagnosed by your history. Classically migraine is associated with an aura, nausea and/or light sensitivity. But there a number of migraine variants. Imaging is not necessary to diagnose migraine but there is often a pattern on MRI that is suggestive of migraine. More often imaging is ordered (ct or mri) to rule out another cause of headache.

Answer 17

Could be anything: Headaches could be due to simple migraines or more sinister causes. It is difficult to say without more information and examination. It could be a tension headache, a viral infection, due to poor eyesight, or an underlying tumor. In short you need to see a Dr who will take a history and perform an examination, if needed you will be referred for a CT scan as well.

what are the tests for migraine headaches?

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