What Is a Breakthrough Migraine?
A breakthrough migraine occurs despite preventative treatment however, there are steps you can take to stop them or reduce the symptoms.
Transcript
Hi, Dr. Caudle, I'm kind of annoyed. I did everything that I normally would do to prevent this migraine attack, and it happened anyway.
What gives? Uh, that's the worst. I'm so sorry this happened to you. What you've experienced could be called a breakthrough migraine.
Now, these are migraines that, well, break through the preventative steps you take and affect you anyway. It's important to be prepared for these, as they can happen.
Taking your prevented medication if you're on one is a great start. Getting regular exercise might help prevent migraines.
And keeping a diary of when you get your migraines can help you and your doctor figure out what treatments are working and what is possibly triggering your migraines.
But if one does happen to break through, there are a number of things you can try to lessen its effects. For one, acute treatments may help you find relief.
Acute treatments are medications taken during a migraine attack that are used to relieve the pain of migraines and tend to work best when you first
feel a migraine coming on. Some can be found over the counter, but often these are medications that are prescribed by your doctor.
So make sure you're in contact with your health care provider and working together to find the right course of treatment for you.
New treatments are being developed often as well. So talk to your doctor, as there may be new treatments on the horizon.
Outside of medication, you might find relief from migraines by using other methods. These are simple things like heading to a quiet, dark room
and closing your eyes when symptoms begin. You can also use a cool compress, like an ice pack wrapped in a towel on your head
or at the back of your neck. Drink plenty of fluids and try using relaxation techniques like meditation. If you're experiencing breakthrough migraines,
talk to your doctor to find out what course of action is best for you. [INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]
migraines
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