What you're describing — migraines lasting weeks to months with increasing frequency and intensity — sounds like it could be intractable migraine (also called status migrainosus). This is a particularly stubborn type of migraine that doesn't respond well to typical treatments, and it can be incredibly frustrating and Show Full Answer
What you're describing — migraines lasting weeks to months with increasing frequency and intensity — sounds like it could be intractable migraine (also called status migrainosus). This is a particularly stubborn type of migraine that doesn't respond well to typical treatments, and it can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting to deal with.
A MyMigraineTeam member shared: "I'm about to begin my 70th day of an intractable headache. I just finished three days of infusion therapy without breaking the attack. This is new territory for me. I'm feeling frustrated and lost." You are definitely not alone in this. When migraines reach 15 or more headache days per month, they are classified as chronic migraine. This is important because chronic migraine is treated differently than less frequent migraines.
There are a few key things worth knowing:
- There are currently no universal treatment guidelines for intractable migraine, so treatment is highly individualized
- Stress can reduce the effectiveness of treatments, which can create a difficult cycle
- Infusion therapy is one option some doctors explore when standard medications fail
- It's possible to transition from chronic migraine back to less frequent episodes with the right treatment plan
Since no medications have worked so far, it's really important to consult a neurologist if you haven't already. They can explore alternative treatments tailored to your specific migraine history. A migraine diary tracking frequency, duration, and triggers can also help your doctor find the best path forward.
June 22
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