Skip to main content

Military Health System

Migraine Facts and Helpful Treatments

Image of Military personnel receiving treatment for headaches. Military personnel receiving treatment for headaches

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness

Migraine headaches feel like an attack on your brain and body that can send you to lie in a dark room in total stillness to ward off symptoms.

What are migraines? "Migraine is a disabling neurological disease in which headaches are associated with neurological symptoms that may differ from individual to individual," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. (Dr.) Cristina Cruzcrespo, chief of Neurology at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. "The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that genetics and environment play a role. Migraine may also run in families," she explained.

If you've ever had a migraine, you may describe it as a heavy, throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain that prohibits your usual activities, Cruzcrespo said. The migraine may start on one side of your head and move to the front or the back, she explained.

Some people experience prodrome symptoms that "occur before the migraine by several hours or days," Cruzcrespo said. "Typical symptoms are extreme tiredness, yawning, irritability, mood changes, neck discomfort, difficulty concentrating, and food cravings."

"Some people experience aura, which are warning signs occurring minutes before a headache," she said. "Typical aura includes vision changes - such as blurry vision, seeing flashes of light, blind spots, shapes or bright spots - tingling, numbness in the extremities, or difficulty speaking."

During a migraine, the headache, which can be moderate or severe, can worsen with physical activities, Cruzcrespo said. "You may feel nausea and/or experience vomiting, and you may experience sensitivity to light, noise and/or smells."

Migraine sufferers also can experience a "migraine hangover," she said. "The symptoms include fatigue, body aches, trouble concentrating, or dizziness."

Migraines can last from four hours to several days. Yet all migraines include all the phases. The symptoms vary from person to person, Cruzcrespo noted.

Some people just experience aura but not headache, or nausea and vomiting without headache, said Ann Scher, who holds a doctorate in epidemiology and serves as the director of Epidemiology and Statistics at the Uniformed Services University's Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Who Gets Migraines?

Scher said migraine starts about equally in prevalence in boys and girls, but by adulthood, about 18 percent of women get migraines versus 6 percent of men. That is a ratio of three-to-one. "There are theories as to why women continue to get more migraines than men, but no definitive answer," Scher said.

Twenty-five to 30 percent of migraine sufferers get aura, she noted.

There are 39 million American men, women, and children with migraines, which means 17 percent of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with migraines at some point during their lives. However, that number is an underestimate, Scher said, because not everyone gets a diagnosis of migraine.

Migraine ranks second among the world's causes of disability-adjusted life years (behind back pain) due to the number of migraines experienced over a lifetime and is the first-ranked disability among young women, according to a recently published 2019 "Global Burden of Disease" study from the World Health Organization.

Military personnel wearing a face mask receiving treatment for headaches
Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 673d Air Base Wing commander, participates in a Cephaly treatment during a 673d Medical Operations Squadron immersion tour at JBER, Alaska. A Cephaly device uses electrical impulses that treat and prevent migraine headaches without the use of medication or its side effects (Photo by: Senior Airman Crystal Jenkins, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs).

Treatment & Triggers

Communication is key to helping to control migraines, said Michael Oshinsky, who holds a doctorate of neuroscience and serves as the program director for pain and migraine at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Make sure you communicate with your physician that you have migraines. Migraine is very manageable if you build a plan that works for the individual."

That plan may indicate the use of over-the-counter medications, prescription oral drugs, monthly infusions, or neuromodulation through devices aimed at nerves that trigger migraine symptoms. Field kits for active-duty service members should be tailored to the regimen of treatment and prevention of migraines that works for every individual. "It's got to be the right plan for the individual and should be figured out before they are deployed," Oshinsky said.

The number one trigger for migraine is stress, Oshinsky said, adding, another trigger is strong emotional experiences - be they happy or sad - because of the significant changes in neurotransmitters within the brain.

Oshinsky also said that certain behaviors trigger migraines but noted that some of these factors cannot be controlled during a deployment. All migraine patients should:

  • Keep well hydrated
  • Go to bed and rise at the same hours each day
  • Don't skip meals
  • Watch out for hormonal changes

Bright lights (sunlight, computer screens, or fluorescent lamps) also can be a trigger, Cruzcrespo said.

There are many oral drugs to prevent migraines that need to be taken daily. They include three different drug classes: anti-seizure medications, beta-blockers (blood pressure medications), and antidepressants (depression and/or anxiety medications), Cruzcrespo said.

"Abortive medications are prescribed to be taken at the onset of headaches or aura," she said. These agents include an ergotamine derivative, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, "triptans," calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors called "gepants," and the immunologics, which are administered subcutaneously once a month or quarterly via an infusion in the provider's office.

Said Cruzcrespo: "Some procedures can be performed at the physician's office to prevent headaches or as adjunctive treatment." Botox injections for headache are performed quarterly for prevention. "Other procedures are performed more frequently, including peripheral nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPG block)," she said.

There are also rescue medications (tranquilizers and sedatives) for a breakthrough migraine while on medication. Breakthrough migraines should be factored into your treatment plan, Oshinsky said.

Additionally, there are new treatments that use neuromodulation of various nerves to treat migraine, he said. These devices include single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, external non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator, external trigeminal nerve stimulation, and an electrical stimulation arm patch that stimulates another nerve that can create migraine.

Other, nonmedical treatments may include yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, Scher said.

"It's important for anybody who's having headaches that interfere with their lives to see a doctor, preferably a neurologist or headache disorder specialist, because there are treatments for migraine that might be effective for that individual," she advised.

You also may be interested in...

Dental Team First to Treat Patients at New Redi Doti Dental Clinic

Article Around MHS
2/28/2023
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Gjekaj, Air Expeditionary Squadron pediatric dentist, operates on a student of the Johan Chelius School in Redi Doti, Suriname, on Feb. 13. Dental personnel from the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team engaged with members in the Lokono and Kalin'a villages to provide extractions, fillings, cleanings and teach best practices for sustaining good oral hygiene. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox)

The dental professionals of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team were the first to see patients in a newly opened dental clinic in Redi Doti, Suriname. The Youth Dental Care Foundation’s Redi Doti clinic will serve patients in rural communities, making dental services and preventative care more easily accessible for the region in South America.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Monitor Your Diabetes and Health Daily, One Step at a Time

Article
2/23/2023
Diabetes infographic

When you have diabetes, proper foot care is often overlooked.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Nutritional Fitness

Protect Yourself With Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise

Article Around MHS
12/19/2022
Military medical personnel administering vaccine

"Tis the season, and respiratory illnesses are on the rise. Learn critical health guidance about the viral triple threat of COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold, and the commonsense steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Recommended Content:

Coronavirus & the MHS Response | Children's Health | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Immunization Tool Kit | Influenza, Northern Hemisphere | Immunization Healthcare Division

New Work Group Looks at Preventive Health Measures for Service Members

Article Around MHS
12/9/2022
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Mohan

The U.S. Coast Guard is now prioritizing a review of health-related data to determine how to reduce illness and injuries within the workforce. This shift is prompted by a policy update within the Coast Guard Medical Manual COMDTINST 6000.7, as well as the new Population Health Optimization Work Group that will impact members, civilians, dependents, and retirees.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness

Lung Cancer Leading Cause of Cancer Death

Article
11/22/2022
 U.S Navy MRI technologist behind a computer screen with a magnetic resonance machine in the background.

With November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, be aware of symptoms, causes, and steps to take if you think you need screening.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness

Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Decreases to 45

Article
11/22/2022
A patient sits in an office with while a health care provider talks to her.

Though the overall death rate from colorectal cancers have been on the decline in recent years, it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Recommended Content:

Women's Health | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Men's Health

What You Should Know About RSV: Symptoms, Prevention, Care

Article Around MHS
11/14/2022
infant smiling

You may have heard of a virus called respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. But do you know how serious it is and who is most at risk? Learn the signs, and how quickly RSV can put patients at risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.

Recommended Content:

Children's Health | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Total Body Preventive Health - Dental, Medical & Mental

Be Prepared with Back-to-School Immunizations

Video
7/28/2022
Child getting an immunization

Air Force Surgeon General Miller encourages parents to get their kids immunized before heading back to school in the fall.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Children's Health | Immunizations | Back to School

Soldiers Not Immune to Damage of Sun's Rays

Article Around MHS
7/28/2022
Soldiers not immune to damage of sun’s rays

Some soldiers have a greater risk for developing skin cancer than others. For July’s UV Safety Awareness month, soldiers should be aware of their risks and how to reduce their chances of skin cancer.

Recommended Content:

Health Readiness & Combat Support | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Summer Safety

For Sexually Transmitted Infections, Young People are at Higher Risk

Article
6/13/2022
Protect yourself in the war against sexually transmitted infections. If you have questions about where to find free condoms, STI testing, or treatment, contact your health care provider or local installation clinic.

Every year, thousands of service members are diagnosed with at least one sexually transmitted infection. Topping the list of the most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes, military health data shows.

Recommended Content:

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Men's Health | Women's Health

Doctors Recommend Sunscreen for All Skin Complexions

Article
6/13/2022
The dangers of too much sunlight – from sunspots to skin cancer – are real risks for everyone regardless of skin complexion, doctors say.

The dangers of too much sunlight – from sunspots to skin cancer – are real risks for everyone regardless of skin complexion, doctors say.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Summer Safety

Men's Health Month - Screening

Infographic
6/1/2022

Not all illnesses and injuries demonstrate symptoms immediately. This #MensHealthMonth, be sure to ask your doctor which screenings might be right for you. #TakeChargeofYourHealth www.health.mil/menshealth

Recommended Content:

June | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Men's Health

Men's Health Month - Taking Charge

Infographic
6/1/2022

June is #MensHealthMonth. Your strength is rooted in your health and well-being, so #BeStrong and make sure you’re staying up to date on all health screenings and tests. www.health.mil/menshealth

Recommended Content:

June | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Men's Health

Men's Health Month - Stigma

Infographic
6/1/2022

#DYK? Men are 2x less likely than women to use preventive health care services. You can be the one to fight the stigma. Take action and schedule your recommended health screenings ASAP. #TakeChargeofYourHealth #MensHealthMonth www.health.mil/menshealth

Recommended Content:

June | Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Men's Health

Kids' Teeth Grinding Usually Stops Around Age 9 or 10 - But Not Always

Article
4/15/2022
A child receives dental treatment during the “Give Kids a Smile” day event March 9, 2019, held by the 375th Dental Squadron clinic on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Children registered for the event were given the chance to receive cleanings, fillings, and more at no cost to their parents. (Photo: Airman 1st Class Isaiah Gonzalez, 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

Do you ever see or hear your child grinding his or her teeth or clenching his or her jaws during the day or at night while sleeping? That’s a potentially serious health problem. Teeth grinding in kids may require a night guard.

Recommended Content:

Medical and Dental Preventive Care Fitness | Children's Health | TRICARE Dental Care
<< < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > >> 
Showing results 1 - 15 Page 1 of 6
Refine your search
Last Updated: January 24, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery