Understanding chronic migraines
Chronic migraines are characterized by persistent headaches and “attacks” that come on quickly and sometimes without warning. When a migraine hits, you may experience blurred or lost vision, nausea, extreme light or sound sensitivity, and blinding or throbbing pain around the eyes and temples. Unlike a classic headache, a migraine is elevated in intensity, duration, and side effects, often forcing you into an isolated, dark room.
Migraines are considered chronic when individuals experience a headache 15 or more days of the month. At least 8 of those days must be characterized specifically as a migraine, with trademark features that separate the attacks from a classic headache. Migraines can last anywhere from 1 hour to several days, sometimes requiring a trip to the ER to relieve symptoms.
While you can attempt to trace triggers or environmental factors that set off your attacks, there is no cure for chronic migraines.
However, Botox injections have been FDA-approved as a practical chronic migraine treatment for diagnosed individuals with chronic cases.
Another FDA-approved option for chronic migraine treatment uses the newest class of medications that target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).