It's Time to Talk About It: Why a chat with your doctor is essential to managing migraines

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If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from migraines, then you know how painful and debilitating they can be. Talking to your doctor is essential if you want to learn how to manage the condition and get started on the right treatment. Yet a recent survey found that one-third of migraine sufferers have never consulted a physician, and if they had, nearly half said they didn't get the care they needed.

When researchers investigated why, they discovered the most frequently cited barrier was poor communication between physicians and their patients.

Communication is a two-way street. Doctors rarely see their patients while they are in the throes of a migraine, and short visits leave little time for physicians to draw out the information they need. Without the necessary information, doctors don't always understand the extent to which migraines affect their patient's lives.

Patients play an important role, too. Unfortunately, they don't always know how to make the most of their consultation. Either they don't understand what the doctor is talking about, or they don't know what type of information they need to convey.

Why talking to your doctor is important

To get the most out of your visit and receive the best possible care, it's vital to fully share your migraine experience with your physician. It will help him or her understand how your entire life is being affected. At the same time, it will aid in the development of a treatment plan that is right for you. In order to do your part, you need to know exactly what a migraine is and what triggers it.

A migraine is far more than just a bad headache. It encompasses a cycle of symptoms including fatigue, mood changes, sensitivities to light and sound, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms can happen before, during and after the attack.

Getting medical care is important because a migraine and its symptoms can be extremely debilitating and are frequently severe enough to warrant bed rest. It's a major cause of lost days from work and school and can restrict your ability to perform daily activities including driving, household chores and spending quality time with family.

Migraines also impact how people feel in between attacks. In a recent study, migraine sufferers reported that concerns about future migraines affect everything they do. They avoid anything they think might trigger an attack such as noise or sunshine, and say they often feel frustrated, irritable and not in control. Their anxiety becomes so overriding that they end up living a life dominated by headaches and fear of the next attack. The limitations they place on themselves can seriously impact relationships with friends, family and colleagues, especially when they feel people can't appreciate what they are going through.

Doctors who fully understand how migraines impact every facet of their patients' lives are better equipped to help them manage migraines and regain control. They can also recommend appropriate treatment and offer suggestions which might include methods to prevent the attacks from recurring.

What your doctor really needs to know

Your doctor needs the facts. The best way to provide them is by keeping a headache diary that includes information on when your attacks happen, their frequency length and severity, and any other symptoms. Your doctor will also benefit from knowing if you were able to continue your daily activities while experiencing the pain or if you needed to lie down. You'll also want to keep track of what else you felt before or after an attack to help pinpoint which type of migraine you are dealing with.

For example, about 20 percent of migraine sufferers experience what is known as an aura, which occurs 10 to 30 minutes before an attack. An aura often includes vision problems, such as flashing lights, tingling sensations or a strange odor. Fatigue and mood changes are also common. During the attack, throbbing or pulsating pain might be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. After an attack, it's common for patients to experience feelings of fatigue and weakness.

Let your doctor know if you experience any of these symptoms and be sure to describe them accurately. Also, let him know what medications you've taken and whether they are effective.

You'll feel more in control of your migraines if you can identify what triggers them. Some people find diet, environment, hormonal changes and stress can spark attacks. Keeping track of this information will help your doctor figure out what is setting off your migraines so you can avoid the trigger in the future.

Finally, make sure your physician understands how migraines are impacting your life. If you are missing days from work, unable to enjoy family or social activities, or if you are feeling depressed or anxious in between attacks, your doctor needs to know.

How to communicate properly with your doctor

Doctor's visits can be rushed, so it's important to prepare for your visit beforehand.

Make a list of your most important questions so you won't forget what to say. Keep your questions specific in hopes of getting the answer you desire. You might not get to ask all your questions during one visit, but you'll be able to continue your discussion at subsequent visits.

Don't use one-word answers in response to questions. Express yourself clearly and don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something you are told. You want to make sure that you and your doctor are both on the same page.

Finally, remember to ask what steps you can take to prevent migraines. In addition to medication, you may learn about alternative therapies like biofeedback or gain some new information about lifestyle changes that will help you stave off future attacks.

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