Episodic migraine
The pain occurs two days before and three days after the first day of the menstrual period. It is more severe and lasts longer than migraine associated with the female hormonal cycle.
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Information for patients
Types of headache & treatment approaches
Clinical presentations
The diagnosis is crucial for accessing treatment. Chronic forms, in particular, often involve mixed headache diagnoses.
Chronic Migraine
In most cases, the pain occurs in the temples and/or the temporal muscle and/or the jaw. A sensation as if the head is imploding, and/or tooth wear.
Cervicocranial headache
Cervicocranial headache is a type of headache that originates in the cervical spine and neck muscles and often radiates from the neck to the forehead or eyes. Typical symptoms include neck stiffness, restricted mobility and an exacerbation of symptoms due to poor posture or strain on the cervical spine.
Arnold’s neuralgia
Pain at the back of the head, caused by irritation of the greater occipital nerve. Head movements can trigger pain, as this nerve can easily become pinched.
Medication-induced migraine
Caused by a terrible vicious circle: suffering – overuse of medication – worsening of the condition. The second most common type of headache.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headache and usually manifest as a dull, pressing pain in the forehead, temples or neck. They are often triggered by stress, muscle tension, lack of sleep or prolonged poor posture.
Cluster headaches
The pain has a precisely defined point of origin: at the temples or in the inner area of the eyebrow/eye socket. They occur two to three times a day. Men aged between 20 and 50 who smoke are the typical profile of those affected by this condition.
Migraine Facts
There are facts behind the pain
Migraine is not a simple diagnosis – it is a complex neurological condition.
4-
0
hours is how long a migraine attack lasts
4 -
0
years pass between the first visit to the doctor and the diagnosis
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per cent of the population suffer from migraine
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Migraines cannot be detected using medical imaging
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One in four households is affected by migraines
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One in twenty children suffers from migraines
Real voices, real stories
Every shared experience helps us identify headache diagnoses and effective treatments more quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Here, patients can find answers to the most common questions about migraines and headaches.
O1
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes moderate to severe headache attacks, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light.
02
How can I tell if I have a migraine or another type of headache?
Many migraine sufferers experience more than one type of headache at the same time. An accurate diagnosis requires a medical examination based on your symptoms, the frequency of your attacks and your medical history.
03
Who should I contact if I have a migraine?
First, contact your GP. If the suggested measures do not provide relief, ask for a referral to a headache specialist. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion, as treatment approaches can vary from specialist to specialist.
04
What causes migraines?
The exact causes of migraine are not fully understood. Some patients describe triggers for attacks such as stress, hormones, lack of sleep or certain foods. Avoiding triggers can help, but does not reduce the frequency of attacks in all patients.
05
What treatment options are available?
There are acute treatments, maintenance therapies, non-pharmacological approaches and, in certain cases, neuromodulation techniques.
06
Can migraine be cured?
There is currently no cure for migraine, but with appropriate treatment, the frequency and intensity of attacks can be significantly reduced.
07
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
If the headache comes on suddenly, is different from your usual headaches, or is accompanied by unusual neurological symptoms.
08
Is migraine hereditary?
Yes, there is a genetic predisposition. Migraine is more common in people with a family history of the condition.
09
Can lifestyle changes help?
Yes, regular sleep, physical activity, a balanced diet and stress management often reduce the frequency of attacks.
10
Why does diagnosis sometimes take so long?
Symptoms can vary from person to person and overlap with other types of headache, which is why a thorough and, if necessary, multidisciplinary examination is important.
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