How do I manage severe migraines that affect my daily life?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing severe migraine attacks that completely disrupt my daily life. They usually start with blurry vision and sensitivity to light, followed by intense pain on one side of my head. I have tried over-the-counter medications, but they no longer provide adequate relief. I am missing work because of these episodes, and they are affecting my sleep and concentration.

Someone mentioned preventive injections such as Aimovig or Ubrelvy, and I would like to know if they are truly effective. I am also curious whether factors like diet, hormones, or dehydration play a bigger role than I realise. Should I be tracking potential triggers, or is that mostly guesswork? I would like to live without having to plan my week around possible migraine days.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The condition you are describing, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and one-sided throbbing pain, fits the pattern of migraine with aura, which can be very disabling. When over-the-counter painkillers stop providing relief, it is appropriate to consider preventive therapy rather than only treating individual attacks.

Yes, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)–based preventive injections such as Erenumab, Galcanezumab, and Fremanezumab have shown very good results in reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within one to three months of regular use. Ubrogepant works differently. It is used for acute migraine attacks, not for prevention, but it can be safely combined with preventive treatments if required.

Hormonal changes, dehydration, missed meals, stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, red wine, or excess caffeine can act as migraine triggers. Keeping a migraine diary is very helpful and not guesswork. It allows patterns to be identified and helps assess how well treatments are working.

Maintaining regular sleep habits, adequate hydration, balanced meals, and gentle physical activity such as walking or yoga can help reduce attack frequency.

These newer migraine treatments are often worthwhile for people whose migraines interfere with work and daily life. When combined with lifestyle measures and trigger tracking, they can significantly improve quality of life and help restore day-to-day consistency.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.