Migraine, the most common neurologic condition worldwide, has several possible links to other brain diseases, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and fibromyalgia. Additionally, other common comorbidities of migraine include anxiety and depression, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and stroke. In some scenarios, migraine can be mistaken for a stroke caused by bleeding on the brain, called a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is often characterized by a sudden, very severe headache.

Over the years, there has been an increased effort to raise awareness about migraine conditions and some of the serious long-term effects it can have on patient quality of life. The overall perception surrounding migraines has changed, with more individuals understanding the neurologic components of the disease, and less who have thought their condition may be a direct “result from stress.” Above all, patients are becoming more aware about mindful of the novel therapeutic options available, like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting agents, that may help treat their condition.

In a new iteration of NeuroVoices, Luis Felipe Tornes, M.D., a neurologist at Baptist Health, sat down to discuss the severity of migraine, and when it may be more than just that. He spoke specifically on the importance of obtaining detailed history records of patients and some of the common mimics seen. In addition, Tornes discussed migraine treatment as a whole throughout this point of history, including the ways we can optimize recently approved therapies and the approach to managing attacks. Lastly, he spoke on the role of new age imaging techniques and whether treating patients on a more molecular, individualized level may be on the horizon.

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