Our team is there for you
Discover how we can help youA migraine is sometimes referred to as a ‘‘headache’’ in everyday language, and constitutes one of the most common neurological diseases. Although not contagious nor dangerous, such disease can greatly impact quality of life. The good news is that you are not alone.
The Larivière & Massicotte pharmacy team offers a professional support service to those living with a migraine diagnosis. Following the evaluation made by a physician or any other healthcare professionals, our pharmacists can ensure a rigorous monitoring of your treatment, adjust medication, where authorized, and assist you in optimizing your care plan.
We’re by your side.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by the activation of brain mechanisms that are responsible for releasing inflammatory substances around blood vessels and nerves.
Such disease affects approximately 15 % of the population and often starts in adolescence. In Quebec, it is estimated that almost 17 % of adults suffer from it, although only a fraction of them is diagnosed.
How is migraine diagnosed?
The diagnosis must be made by a healthcare professional, such as a family physician or a neurologist. In most cases:
• A comprehensive medical assessment,
• A medical examination,
• And sometimes additional tests
are required to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of migraine?
In order to be considered a migraine, the crisis must generally show one or more of the following symptoms:
· Unilateral (One side of the head) and/or pulsatile
· Moderate to severe pain
· Aggravated by effort
Accompanied by concomitant physical symptoms, such as:
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Light sensitivity (photophobia)
· Noise sensitivity (phonophobia)
· Dizziness
· Increased touch sensitivity (allodynia)
· Odour sensitivity
· Tingling or numbness
· Painless crisis (rare)
A crisis may last from 4 to 72 hours. The frequency may vary, from several crisis per year to daily crisis.
What are the treatments for migraine?
Treatment depends on:
• The type of migraine
• The crisis frequency
• The symptom intensity
• Your response to medication you already tried
There are two major categories of migraine treatments: treatments during a crisis and preventive treatments.
Many options, whether they are medicinal or not, can help alleviate a severe crisis. Other approaches may be used to reduce crisis frequency and intensity, in particular among people living with chronic migraine.
Your pharmacist may provide you with additional information regarding the available therapeutic classes, their modes of action as well as their optimal use. They can also assist you with the global management of your treatment, while offering support measures or non-pharmacological interventions tailored to your personal situation (lifestyles, tracking tools, complementary strategies, etc.)
By evaluating your needs, background, and response to treatments you already tried, the pharmacist can recommend a therapeutic approach that best meets your condition, but always within the framework of their authorized professional activities.
Such accompaniment will be carried out in close collaboration with the other stakeholders involved in your health record, namely your doctor, in order to ensure coherent and safe health care adapted to your situation.
Our pharmacists are here to answer your questions. Contact us:
Get the support
you need.
Our migraine follow-up service
Our pharmacy offers a customized support service for people already diagnosed with migraine.
Our team can:
• Assess your clinical situation and actual treatment
• Ensure a structured follow-up of your preventive therapy
• Adjust medication, when permitted by the regulation
• Collaborate with your doctor to facilitate transitions between treatments
• Guide you in the optimal use of your medication
• Accompany you to identify the triggers and aim at improving your quality of life
• Suggest customized non-medicated alternatives
We recommend the use of a migraine calendar to monitor crisis evolution and treatment effectiveness.
FAQ
Can migraine crisis be prevented?
Although migraine is not a consequence of unhealthy lifestyles, numerous strategies can help reduce the crisis frequency or intensity:
• Use a crisis diary to identify the triggers
• Maintain good sleep hygiene
• Stay well hydrated and eat regular meals
• Limit caffeine
• Practice relaxation techniques (yoga, mindfulness meditation, etc.)
• Engage in moderate physical activity on a regular basis
• Maintain a healthy weight, where appropriate.
When is an emergency visit required?
You should go to the ER if:
• You are dehydrated due to prolonged vomiting
• The crisis lasts longer than 72 hours despite the medication
• New symptoms appear: fever, weakness, confusion, vision loss
• Headache occurs suddenly and intensively (within seconds)
What are the types of migraine?
The main types include:
1. Migraine without aura
2. Migraine with aura
3. Migraine with typical aura
4. Migraine with brainstem aura
5. Hemiplegic migraine
6. Retinal migraine
7. Chronic migraine
For a comprehensive description: migrainecanada.org
Our pharmacists are here to help, contact us.
Resources to help you further
Consult our guides and resourcesMigraine Canada
Organization devoted to improving the quality of life of people diagnosed with migraine.
Association of Quebec Neurologists
Professional union of Quebec neurologists. (Website in French only)
Migraine Calendar
Migraine Canada’s printable diary templates that help track important details and possible triggers of each migraine episode
