Risks of Self-Treating Migraines

Struggling with migraines and trying to manage them on your own? Read on to learn about the risks involved with self-treating migraines and how seeking expert help is the key to effective and long-lasting relief.

When migraines strike, you might think self-treating with over-the-counter painkillers or using home remedies will do the trick and help you get through the day. However, self-treating migraines can lead to more harm than good.

Unlike tension headaches, migraines are complex neurological conditions that can cause a variety of symptoms, including intense pain, visual disturbances, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Understanding the risks of self-treatment is key for effectively managing this often-debilitating condition. Board-certified neurologist Risa Ravitz, MD, and her team at Modern Migraine MD, specialize in diagnosing and treating migraines.

We understand how disruptive and painful migraines can be, and we are committed to providing comprehensive care to help you manage and reduce the frequency of these attacks.

At our in-person offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and through telehealth appointments across 13 states, our goal is to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

Take a moment to learn why it’s essential to seek professional medical care rather than self-treating migraines and the ways we can help.

Misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment

Self-treating migraines can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. Migraines share symptoms with other conditions, such as tension headaches, sinus headaches, or even more severe conditions like brain tumors or aneurysms.

Without a thorough evaluation by a neurologist, it's challenging to determine the underlying cause of your migraines. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and environmental changes.

When you self-diagnose, you risk using treatments that may not be right for your condition and might worsen your symptoms.

Ignoring the root cause of your condition

Self-treating migraines with painkillers or home remedies may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the root cause of your migraines.

Migraines are often triggered by underlying issues, such as hormonal imbalances, dietary factors, nerve conditions, or stress. Without identifying and managing these triggers, you are likely to continue experiencing frequent and severe migraines.

Identifying and managing your migraine triggers is key for long-term relief, and this requires a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist who can help you pinpoint your triggers and develop a treatment plan to avoid or manage them effectively.

Overusing medications

One of the most significant risks of self-treating migraines is the overuse of medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can provide temporary relief but aren’t designed for long-term use.

Frequent use of these medications can lead to “medication overuse headaches” or rebound headaches, which are chronic headaches caused by taking pain relief medications too often.

This can lead to a cycle of headache relief and recurrence. This cycle can be challenging to break and often requires professional medical intervention.

Overuse of medication can also increase your risk of side effects and potentially harm your liver, kidneys, or stomach lining.

Risk of drug interactions

Self-treating migraines without professional guidance can also lead to dangerous drug interactions. Over-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with other prescription medications you may be taking.

This can lead to adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. A health care provider helps you navigate potential drug interactions and makes sure your treatment plan is safe and effective.

Your doctor can also prescribe medications specifically designed to prevent migraines or reduce their severity, which are not available over the counter.

Lack of long-term migraine management

Self-treatment typically focuses on short-term relief, neglecting the importance of long-term strategies to prevent future migraines. Effective migraine management requires a long-term approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication management, and ongoing monitoring.

How our team can help

At Modern Migraine MD, our board-certified neurology providers specialize in advanced migraine treatments personalized to your specific needs. We offer therapies to help you manage your migraines effectively and improve your quality of life, including:

CGRP monoclonal antibody injections

These injections help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by targeting the protein involved in migraine pain.

Botox® injections

Botox can be effective for chronic migraines, helping to prevent attacks before they start by preventing signals between nerves and muscles.

Radiofrequency ablation

This treatment uses heat to deactivate nerves that transmit pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block

This procedure involves blocking the nerve that is often involved in migraines, reducing your pain and discomfort.

Peripheral nerve block

This treatment involves injecting medication around specific nerves to block pain signals and provide relief.

Neuromodulation

This advanced treatment uses electrical or magnetic pulses to alter your nerve activity and reduce migraine pain.

Our providers also help you identify your migraine triggers and prescribe medications to manage your condition effectively.

To learn more about the risks of self-treating migraines or to get started with professional treatment, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation at Modern Migraine MD.