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Hi, I'm Roger Cady and I'd like to help you learn about your migraine attacks. Let's begin by exploring how you first become aware that a migraine is beginning and, in particular, what your migraine is like before the headache is...you know, bad. When we're finished with this exercise, you should have a better understanding of your migraine, so that you can more easily determine when your migraine attack is beginning.

With this information, you will be prepared to best describe your own migraine experience to your health care provider, and together you can agree on a migraine treatment plan that is right for you. Think about the symptoms you typically experience, before and/or during the early part of a migraine, that help you know that migraine is starting. And if left untreated the pain may become moderate or severe and may affect your ability to function. There are many symptoms associated with migraines that patients may typically experience. I want you to think about these and jot down the ones you experience. Pay attention and note the symptoms you experience, either before your migraine pain sets in or while the pain is still mild, or throughout the duration of the migraine attack. You can obtain a symptom checklist available on this Web site or obtain one from your health care provider. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, nausea, yawning, feeling very tired. Difficulty concentrating, dizziness, feelings of anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity. The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the diagnosis of migraine. Only your health care professional can properly diagnose migraine.

Think about when you have these symptoms, before your headache starts or when the headache is still mild-and focus on the symptoms that you experience at the first sign of your migraine attack, while your headache is mild. These symptoms will help you understand that this headache is indeed a migraine.

Clinical research has suggested that many patients who treat a migraine attack early, while the headache is still mild, have effective migraine relief. So when your early symptoms occur-the ones we've just talked about from your checklist-and you feel the migraine pain coming on, this may be the time to take your medication.

Be sure to discuss these symptoms and their timing with your health care provider.