Traditionally episodic and chronic migraines have been treated the same way. There are three conventional drug therapy methods:
• Instant Relief: Pain medications that are taken at the first signs of a migraine to reduce the headache component.
• Acute: Prescription medications taken to stop a migraine that has already started.
• Preventative: Medications that are taken on a regular schedule (usually daily) to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.

While drug therapies are often effective for people with less than 15 migraines a month, many chronic migraine sufferers don’t get the same positive results. It can take time to find the medication that works for you, and it also takes time to find a balance between positive outcomes while limiting the side effects that come with high medication use.

At StopMigraine.ca, we stand by the following Mayo Clinic recommendations:

Medication is a proven way to treat — and prevent — migraines. But medication is only part of the story. It's also important to take good care of yourself and understand how to cope with migraine pain when it strikes. The same lifestyle choices that promote good health can also reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.

In fact, knowing how to manage migraine pain with lifestyle and behavioural measures, as well as medication, can often be the most effective way to handle migraines.

Find a calm environment
At the first sign of a migraine, retreat from your usual activities if possible.
• Turn off the lights. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound. Relax in a dark, quiet room. Sleep if you can.
• Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles. Warm showers or baths may have a similar effect.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage. In small amounts, caffeine alone can relieve migraine pain in the early stages or enhance the pain-reducing effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and aspirin. Be careful, however. Drinking too much caffeine too often can lead to withdrawal headaches later on.

Sleep well
Migraines may keep you from falling asleep or wake you up at night. Likewise, migraines are often triggered by a poor night's sleep. Here are some tips to encourage sound sleep:
• Establish regular sleep hours. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day — even on weekends. If you nap during the day, keep it short. Naps longer than 20 to 30 minutes may interfere with nighttime sleep.
• Unwind at the end of the day. Anything that helps you relax can promote better sleep: listen to soothing music, soak in a warm bath or read a favourite book. But watch what you eat and drink before bedtime. Intense exercise, heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
• Minimize distractions. Save your bedroom for sleep and intimacy. Don't watch television or take work materials to bed. Close your bedroom door. Use a fan to muffle distracting noises.
• Don't try to sleep. The harder you try to sleep, the more awake you'll feel. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy.
• Check your medications. Medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants — including some medications to treat migraines — may interfere with sleep.

Eat wisely
Your eating habits can influence your migraines. Consider the basics:
• Be consistent. Eat at about the same time every day.
• Don't skip meals. Fasting increases the risk of migraines.
• Keep a food journal. Keeping track of the foods you eat and when you experience migraines can help identify potential food triggers.
• Avoid foods that trigger migraines. If you suspect that a certain food — such as aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol — is triggering your migraines, eliminate it from your diet to see what happens.

Exercise regularly
During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression, which can make migraines worse.

Obesity also increases the risk of chronic headaches, so maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and diet can provide additional benefits in managing migraines.

If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.

Manage stress
Stress and migraines often go hand in hand. You can't avoid daily stress, but you can keep it under control to help manage your migraines:
• Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
• Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day — both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and divide large projects into manageable chunks.
• Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand. Adjust your attitude. Stay positive. If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," switch gears. Think instead, "This will be tough. But I can make it work."
• Enjoy yourself. Find time to do something you enjoy for at least 15 minutes every day. It could be playing a game, having coffee with a friend or pursuing a hobby. Doing something you enjoy is a natural way to combat stress.
• Relax. Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help you relax. Focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for at least 10 minutes every day. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you're done, sit quietly for a minute or two.

Keep a migraine diary
A diary may help you determine what triggers your migraines. Note when your migraines start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Until recently, avoiding migraine triggers was considered the best advice. But new research suggests this may actually increase sensitivity to potential triggers.

A more useful approach may be to learn to cope with these headache triggers by using behavioural management techniques, such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts, relaxation training and stress reduction.

Strive for balance
Living with migraines is a daily challenge. But making healthy lifestyle choices can help. Ask your friends and loved ones for support.

If you're feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counselling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain.

Not with StopMigraine.ca, where our physicians performing the treatment are family doctors. You only need to meet the requirements to be eligible. You must:
• Be 18+ years old
• Get 15+ migraines a month
• Have tried two drug prophylactic (preventative) treatments without success
• Not currently be pregnant or breast-feeding

Book your free phone assessment today to get started.

If you have insurance coverage, you will only pay the Physician Service Fee. It will cost you $75 for your initial assessment and $150 per treatment visit – your insurance plan will cover the cost of the Botox. Most plans provide this coverage as long as you do meet the eligibility requirements, which your StopMigraine.ca physician will review prior to starting treatment. You will need to bring an insurance approval form with you to your first Botox appointment, which we will help you with during your free phone assessment.

If you do not have insurance coverage, this service costs $800 per treatment.

Yes, Health Canada has approved Botox treatment as a safe and effective for chronic migraines where the eligibility criteria is met.

It depends on your insurance provider. You can sometimes find them on their website or your member portal. Either way, we will point you in the right direction during your free phone assessment and ensure you have everything you need prior to starting treatment.

Book your free phone assessment with us and we will review your current treatment strategies. Start – if you haven't already – keeping a migraine diary (see below). Our goal is to help you feel better by using treatment methods and other strategies that fit your lifestyle.