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Real members of MyMigraineTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

At what number on a scale from 1-10 do you rate your “Average” migraine pain?

A MyMigraineTeam Member asked a question 💭
Indianapolis, IN

I have read comments about migraine scales being different for everyone. I agree with that. Which left me wondering, with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest, pain level and incapacitation. What do you consider a “average” or tolerable number on the scale? For me, at 1-3 I feel like I could throw a party, in my head😉. 3-4 is normal tolerable, allowing me to still function. 5-6 I feel anxious, cautious and usually take medication. 7-8 I’m seeking dark, quiet and bring nausea medication on… read more

December 8, 2018 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal perspectives on rating their average migraine pain, with most describing a baseline of 4-5 as their daily... Read more

Members shared deeply personal perspectives on rating their average migraine pain, with most describing a baseline of 4-5 as their daily reality and anything below that feeling like a small victory. Several members described practical management strategies including taking medication at level 6, retreating to dark rooms with ice packs at level 7-8, and reserving ER visits for level 9 when communication becomes impossible, with many noting that treatments like Imitrex, Ubrelvy, promethazine, and CBD oil help prevent escalation when caught early. A recurring theme was the frustration of not being taken seriously by medical professionals, with members encouraging each other to communicate pain levels carefully using the medical scale where 8 is the highest functional level, while also validating the real experience of living with constant migraine pain that would debilitate most people but becomes their tolerable normal.

A MyMigraineTeam Member

Oh, I didn't say. My average migraine is rated 5-6 because I have to reserve 6-7 for the really bad ones when I allow myself to finally take meds. 6 gets darker rooms, ice packs, quiet, CBD oil, T-Relief and nausea pills. 7 gets half oxycodone added. 8 gets eletriptan, but it will make me feel like I have the flu. 9 like I mentioned before, I can't speak, and 10 is unconscious. My normal days are at 4-5 because I have had a constant headache since 1985. If I say I feel good with no migraine, its at a level 4, but there's still a bad headache in the background. One that would put most people to bed, but not bad enough for me to consider it a real pain... compared to the others. One theory says that with chronic migraine this minor headache is just the other end of the Migraine spectrum, and that's why we are so sensitive to smells, light and noise because we are actually in constant migraine. Just one end doesn't hurt as bad as the other. Which makes a lot of sense to me since I have a super sensitive sense of smell. Detergents can set me off from 30 ft away. I can't walk outside when neighbors are drying clothes using dryer sheets. It's just like it is when I have a full blown migraine.

September 21, 2020 (edited)
A MyMigraineTeam Member

My ratings pretty much parallel yours. I used to go to the ER for a 10, but the care I've received isn't worth it.

June 12, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

I don't think they are trained in the disorder.

June 5, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

You could publish that list/summary and send it to all neurologists! It is right on target for me, anyeay

April 21, 2019
A MyMigraineTeam Member

I think the two worst scents assaulting me are dryer sheets and aftershave. I close my door in the warm weather as soon as I smell the dryer sheets.

I also have a tough time with indoor malls. The lighting, noise and various scents can be overwhelming. I try to stick to outdoor shopping areas.

I don't think we can really live like we don't have a chronic condition. Everybody has different triggers. Sometimes I try to ignore mine and sometimes I can get away with it and other times I can't. It's a fine line we walk. That's one of the things that makes us migraine warriors.

December 10, 2018

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