What Is Chronic Migraine? Symptoms, Causes, Triggers, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Answer: What is chronic migraine?

Chronic migraine is a condition in which you have headaches on at least 15 days each month, with at least 8 involving migraine symptoms, for at least three months. [1] [6] Genetics and changes in brain blood flow and chemistry may play a role, and overusing migraine medications can contribute. [1] Treatment includes preventive medications, careful rescue medication use and nerve stimulation. [1]

Key takeaways

• Chronic migraine is diagnosed when you have headaches or migraines on 15 or more days a month, with at least 8 days showing migraine features, for three months or more. [1] [6]

• A migraine is not just a bad headache. It affects the brain directly, and a migraine without aura lasts 4 to 72 hours. [1]

• Migraines can unfold in up to four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome (the "migraine hangover"). [1]

• Common triggers include stress, hormone changes, sleep changes, certain foods, caffeine shifts, weather pressure changes, light, and sounds. [1]

• Overusing headache medications can push episodic migraine toward becoming chronic, so rescue medicine use should be guided by a provider. [1]

• Between 26% and 70% of chronic migraine cases transform back into episodic migraine, and migraines usually become less frequent with age. [1] [2]

What the research says

• About 1 in 4 people with chronic migraine remitted to episodic migraine within 2 years. In a population-based U.S. survey that followed 383 people with chronic migraine, 26% (n = 100) had remitted by 2 years, while about 34% (n = 130) still had chronic migraine. Predictors of remission included baseline headache frequency and the absence of allodynia, and people whose chronic migraine remitted had less headache-related disability, while those with persistent chronic migraine had more. This was an observational survey, so it shows associations rather than proof of cause (Manack et al., Neurology, 2011). [2]

• Some acute medicines were linked to a higher chance of migraine becoming chronic. Among 8,219 people with episodic migraine, 2.5% developed transformed (chronic) migraine within a year. Compared with acetaminophen users, people using medicines containing barbiturates (OR 2.06) or opiates (OR 1.98) had a higher risk, while triptans (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.7) and NSAIDs overall (OR 0.85) were not associated with transformation. NSAIDs were protective at low to moderate monthly headache days but linked to higher risk at high headache frequency. This was an observational study, so it cannot prove cause (Bigal et al., Headache, 2008). [3]

• In a trial of 720 adults with chronic migraine and medication overuse, two management strategies gave similar results. Starting preventive medicine without switching or limiting the overused medicine was not inferior to preventive medicine with a switch to a medicine used 2 or fewer days a week: moderate to severe headache days at weeks 9 to 12 were 9.1 versus 9.3. The trial was open-label and compared strategies rather than testing unlimited use, so follow your own provider's advice on rescue medicine (Schwedt et al., Neurology, 2022). [4]

What Is Chronic Migraine?

Chronic migraine is a condition where you experience frequent or long-lasting episodes of headaches and migraines. The symptoms can shift daily, or even hour to hour, which can make it difficult to tell where one migraine or headache ends and another begins. [1] A clinical review describes it as a disabling neurologic condition that typically develops after a slow increase in headache frequency over months to years (Schwedt, BMJ, 2014). [6]

The most important thing to understand is that a migraine is not simply a very bad headache. Headaches, such as the common tension-type headache, are unpleasant and disruptive but usually do not stop you from going about your day. Migraines affect your brain directly, which is why they can be severe enough to make ordinary activities feel unbearable. [1]

Migraines are relatively common, affecting roughly 12% to 15% of people worldwide. Chronic migraine is less common, and experts estimate that 1% to 2.2% of people worldwide have the condition. [1] A systematic review of population-based studies found estimates typically in the range of 1.4% to 2.2%, with wide variation between studies (Natoli et al., Cephalalgia, 2010). [5] It is more likely to affect females, often starts around puberty, and usually becomes less frequent with age. For many women, migraines become rare or stop entirely after menopause. [1]

Migraine vs. Headache: The Key Difference

The most common type of headache is the tension-type headache. Its main symptom is pain that affects your head or face, but not your brain. You can usually keep going with your routine even when you have one. [1]

Migraines are different. Because they affect the brain directly, they produce a broader set of symptoms, such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances, and they frequently disrupt your routine entirely. This is why experts treat the two conditions as related but distinct. The definition of chronic migraine includes both headaches and migraines.

Symptoms of Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraine symptoms are the same as those of episodic migraines. Chronic migraines simply last longer or happen more often, and they also involve headaches. The diagnostic criteria follow the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3, Cephalalgia, 2018). To receive a chronic migraine diagnosis, you must meet two criteria at once: [7]

The Four Migraine Stages

Migraines happen in up to four stages, though not every migraine involves all four:

1. Prodrome: a pre-migraine stage with subtle hints that a migraine is coming.

2. Aura: symptoms that occur as the migraine disrupts different areas of your brain.

3. Headache: the pain stage of the migraine.

4. Postdrome: the aftereffects, commonly described as a "migraine hangover."

Migraine Without Aura

A migraine without aura must last between four and 72 hours. [1] The headache phase must meet at least two of the following four criteria: [7]

The headache phase must also involve at least one of the following: [7]

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Both light sensitivity (photophobia) and sound sensitivity (phonophobia)

Migraine With Aura

An aura is a set of symptoms that appear as the migraine disrupts different areas of your brain. Aura symptoms can take several forms:

In addition, at least three of the following criteria must be present: [7]

• At least one aura symptom spreads gradually over five minutes or longer

• Two or more aura symptoms occur in succession

• Each aura symptom lasts between five minutes and one hour

• At least one aura symptom is one-sided

• At least one aura symptom is "positive," meaning it adds an effect rather than causing you to partly or completely lose an ability

• A headache phase occurs at the same time as, or within 60 minutes after, an aura

What Causes Chronic Migraine?

Migraines can be genetic. You are more likely to have them if a close biological relative, especially a parent or grandparent, has the condition. [1] Researchers also suspect several bodily processes could contribute:

Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing chronic migraine or make it worse:

Migraine Transformation

Episodic migraines, which come and go with headache-free days in between, can sometimes "transform" into chronic migraine. Experts do not yet fully understand why this happens, but there is evidence that overuse of certain migraine treatments is a possible contributor. [1] [3]

It is worth understanding what "overuse" means here. It does not automatically refer to a substance use disorder, and it can happen even with medications that are not habit-forming. Because of the transformation risk, experts strongly recommend against frequent use of certain medications if you have episodic migraine, and medication overuse can act as a trigger in some cases.

Common Migraine Triggers

Foods, substances, smells, sounds, and other environmental factors or circumstances can trigger the start of a migraine, typically within hours or days:

Possible Complications

Complications of migraines are possible but uncommon. They include:

Chronic migraine is considered a very disabling condition because frequent migraines keep you from doing certain things. Migraines are not usually dangerous, but they greatly disrupt work, household chores, recreation, and social plans, and they raise your risk of life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart attack. [1] Because some migraine symptoms can look like stroke symptoms, chronic migraine needs expert monitoring and treatment.

Diagnosis and Tests

How Is Chronic Migraine Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose migraines using a combination of approaches, and a neurological exam is usually one of the first steps. Your provider will also ask questions about your health history, daily life, routine, and activities:

What Tests Are Done?

Your provider may recommend certain tests, especially diagnostic imaging scans, to rule out life-threatening conditions such as stroke. This is most likely when you have severe neurological symptoms, especially hemiplegia, since one-sided weakness is a key sign of a stroke. [1]

Your healthcare provider is the best person to explain which tests they recommend and why.

Treatment Options

Chronic migraine treatments are similar to migraine treatments in general. Medications are the main form of treatment, and there are two main approaches:

• Preventive: medications to prevent migraines or make them less severe or less frequent.

• Rescue: medications that "rescue" you by shortening migraines and making them less severe.

Medical procedures and mental healthcare options can also be part of treatment. There is currently no cure, but treatment focuses on reducing frequency and severity so migraines become less disruptive and more treatable. [10]

A 2019 narrative review concluded that topiramate and onabotulinumtoxinA were the only evidence-based preventive options available for chronic migraine at that time, and that monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway showed good efficacy and tolerability in phase II and III trials (Agostoni et al., J Headache Pain, 2019). [8] Another review found that behavioral approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques were associated with symptom improvement (Cho et al., Curr Pain Headache Rep, 2017). [9]

Preventive Medications

Preventive medications make migraines less severe or less frequent. Options include:

Rescue Medications

Rescue medications shorten a migraine and/or make it less severe. Experts recommend using these carefully, because overuse can lead to or worsen chronic migraine. [1]

Over-the-counter (OTC) and NSAID medications include acetaminophen (also called paracetamol, known by brand names such as Tylenol and Panadol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, but it is often grouped with them.

Some over-the-counter migraine medications combine NSAIDs with caffeine. It is a good idea to talk to your provider about whether to avoid caffeine-containing products and to read labels so you are not taking them unintentionally.

Triptan medications are typically the first-line prescriptions for migraines:

Your provider may recommend against using triptans to treat chronic migraine, because using them too often can cause medication overuse headaches or contribute to the transformation from episodic to chronic migraine. [1]

Ergotamine narrows blood vessels in your brain and affects pain signal processing. [1] Its brand-name form is Ergomar, and ergotamine combined with caffeine comes as Cafergot and Migergot.

Controlled and combination medications combine an NSAID with a controlled medication such as a barbiturate or opioid painkiller. Because these can make chronic migraine worse, they are not common in treating this condition. [3]

Medical Procedures

A few medical procedures may help with chronic migraine:

Mental Healthcare

Psychotherapy (the formal term for mental health therapy) may help people with stress and anxiety, both of which contribute to migraines. Because there are many forms of psychotherapy, you have options to choose from when finding a method that works for you. [1]

Outlook and Prognosis

Chronic migraine is very disruptive and can make it difficult, or nearly impossible, to carry on with activities as usual. It can disrupt work, household chores, recreation, and social plans. Because it causes migraines to happen frequently, experts consider it a very disabling condition.

How long chronic migraine lasts varies from person to person. Some people have it for months or years, while others live with it for decades. Family history, personal circumstances, triggers, and treatment effectiveness all play a role, and your healthcare provider is the best person to tell you what to expect in your case.

The outlook is more hopeful than the word "chronic" might suggest. Between 26% and 70% of chronic migraine cases transform back into episodic migraine, and some people move between episodic and chronic migraine over time. [1] [2] Migraines also tend to become less frequent as you get older, especially for women, whose migraines typically happen less often or stop completely after menopause. [1]

Can Chronic Migraine Be Prevented?

Experts do not fully understand how or why chronic migraine happens, so it is impossible to prevent with 100% certainty. Some people may be able to reduce their risk, but others with a family history may develop it even if they take precautions.

If you have episodic migraine, the most important step you can take is to reduce the chance that your medications contribute to the transformation from episodic to chronic migraine. Your healthcare provider can guide you on using medications wisely and lowering your transformation risk. [1]

Living With Chronic Migraine: Self-Care Tips

If you have chronic migraine, there are many things you can do to take care of yourself:

Foods and Drinks to Watch

Many foods and beverages can trigger migraines, and triggers vary from person to person. A migraine journal can help you figure out and avoid yours. Notably, many common trigger foods share similar processing methods:

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have chronic migraine, you should see a healthcare provider, typically a neurologist, regularly for ongoing care. Your provider can recommend an appointment schedule. You should also talk to your provider if you notice symptom changes, especially ones that affect your routine, lifestyle, or activities.

When Should You Go to the ER?

You should go to the emergency room if you have symptoms that can also happen with dangerous or life-threatening conditions:

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Consider asking your provider these questions at your next visit:

1. Do my symptoms meet the criteria for chronic migraine?

2. Could any of my current headache medications be making things worse?

3. Which preventive medication is right for me, and how long until I know if it works?

4. How often should I use my rescue medication?

5. Am I a candidate for Botox injections or other procedures?

6. What tests do I need to rule out other conditions?

7. Which of my lifestyle habits are most likely to be affecting my migraines?

Conclusion

Chronic migraine is a serious, disabling condition, but it is not the same as living in a dark, quiet room forever. A migraine is not just a bad headache, and the dark, quiet room does not make symptoms stop; it only keeps them from becoming even worse. The good news is that chronic migraine is often treatable. With the right combination of preventive medications, careful use of rescue medications, procedures like nerve stimulation, and daily habits such as keeping a migraine journal and learning your triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, and for between 26% and 70% of people, chronic migraine transforms back into the far more manageable episodic form. The sooner you work with a neurologist, the sooner you can focus on your life instead of living from one migraine to the next.

Want to explain health topics like this one visually? Complex medical information is far easier to grasp when it is broken into simple visuals, which is why Rinnit's infographic templates can help you turn health information into clear explainers for migraine journals, symptom trackers, and patient education materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of chronic migraine?

Chronic migraine is a condition in which you have headaches or migraines on at least 15 days per month, with at least 8 of those days including migraine symptoms, for at least three months.

Is chronic migraine the same as having frequent headaches?

No. Headaches such as tension-type headaches affect the head or face but not the brain directly. Migraines affect your brain directly, cause additional symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity, and are severe enough to disrupt your routine. Chronic migraine involves both migraines and headaches.

How many headache days per month make a migraine chronic?

At least 15 days per month with a headache or migraine, for at least three months, with at least 8 of those days including migraine features.

How common is chronic migraine?

Experts estimate that 1% to 2.2% of people worldwide have chronic migraine. Migraines in general affect about 12% to 15% of the population.

Who is most likely to get chronic migraine?

Females are more likely to develop it. Migraines often start around puberty and tend to become less frequent with age.

What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?

The most common headache, tension-type headache, causes pain in the head or face but not the brain. Migraines affect the brain directly and produce symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity that are severe enough to disrupt daily activities.

What are the four stages of a migraine?

Prodrome (subtle pre-migraine hints), aura (brain-disruption symptoms), headache (the pain stage), and postdrome (the "migraine hangover" aftereffects). Not every migraine involves all four.

What does a migraine without aura feel like?

It must last 4 to 72 hours and include at least two of: one-sided pain, pulsing or pounding pain, moderate-to-severe intensity, or pain that worsens with basic activity. It also includes at least one of: nausea, vomiting, or both light and sound sensitivity.

What is a migraine with aura?

A migraine that includes aura symptoms, such as visual changes, tingling or numbness, speech or language difficulty, one-sided weakness, brainstem symptoms, or retinal symptoms, followed or accompanied by the headache phase.

What does visual aura look like?

Flashing lights, haze, zig-zag areas around the center of your vision, or other vision changes.

What is a migraine hangover (postdrome)?

The aftereffects stage of a migraine, commonly described as a "migraine hangover," when you feel drained after the pain subsides.

What is prodrome?

The pre-migraine stage where you can feel subtle differences that hint a migraine is coming.

How long does a migraine episode last?

A migraine without aura must last between four and 72 hours.

Can chronic migraine symptoms change throughout the day?

Yes. Symptoms can shift daily or even hour to hour, making it hard to tell where one migraine or headache ends and another begins.

Is chronic migraine genetic?

Migraines can be genetic. You are more likely to have them if a close biological relative, especially a parent or grandparent, has the condition.

What bodily processes are suspected to cause migraines?

Blood flow changes in the brain, changes in electrical signaling between brain cells, brain chemistry shifts (including serotonin levels), incorrect nerve signaling around the eyes and head, malfunctions in pain-processing centers, and the effects of chronic pain.

What are the risk factors for chronic migraine?

Obesity, head injuries such as concussions, other chronic conditions (especially pain-related ones like fibromyalgia), mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea.

What is migraine transformation?

The process by which episodic migraines turn into chronic migraine. Experts do not fully understand it, but overuse of certain migraine treatments is a possible contributor.

Can medication overuse cause chronic migraine?

Frequent use of certain migraine medications is a possible contributor to the transformation from episodic to chronic migraine, and medication overuse can also act as a trigger. This can happen even with medications that are not habit-forming.

What are the most common migraine triggers?

Stress or anxiety, hormone changes related to menstruation, hunger or dehydration, barometric pressure changes, too much or too little sleep, certain scents, certain foods and additives, light, caffeine changes, certain sounds, and frequent headache medication use.

Which foods commonly trigger migraines?

Aged cheeses, red wine, chocolate, and aged or preserved meats are among the most common examples.

Can caffeine trigger migraines?

Yes. Caffeine changes, especially having too much or less than your usual amount, can trigger migraines. Some over-the-counter migraine medications also combine an NSAID with caffeine, so read labels and ask your provider whether to avoid caffeine-containing products.

What sounds trigger migraines?

Low-frequency sounds like jackhammering and high-frequency sounds like power tools.

Can light trigger a migraine?

Yes. Certain types of lighting, or even an intense reflection or glare into one or both eyes for a fraction of a second, can trigger a migraine.

What are the possible complications of chronic migraine?

Status migrainosus (a migraine lasting at least three days), strokes, aura-related seizures, and, very rarely, heart attacks.

Is chronic migraine dangerous?

Migraines are not usually dangerous, except in rare cases. However, they greatly disrupt life and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, so expert monitoring and treatment are important.

How is chronic migraine diagnosed?

Through a combination of a neurological exam and questions about your health history, pain description, symptom frequency, caffeine use, triggers, sleep habits, and stress levels.

What tests can diagnose chronic migraine?

Imaging such as a CT scan may be used to rule out life-threatening conditions like stroke, especially with severe neurological symptoms like hemiplegia. An MRI may be used instead of or along with a CT scan in non-emergency situations.

Why would a doctor order a CT scan for migraine?

To rule out dangerous conditions like stroke, particularly when you have severe neurological symptoms. One-sided weakness (hemiplegia) is a key sign of stroke.

What is the first step in a migraine diagnosis?

A neurological exam, usually combined with a detailed history of your headaches, symptoms, and lifestyle.

What is the main treatment for chronic migraine?

Medications are the main form of treatment, in two approaches: preventive (to prevent or reduce migraines) and rescue (to shorten or lighten migraines).

What preventive medications are used for chronic migraine?

ARBs (candesartan), antiseizure medications (valproic acid, topiramate), antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, venlafaxine), beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol), Botox injections, calcium channel blockers (verapamil, flunarizine), and monoclonal antibody injections (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab).

Are triptans used for chronic migraine?

Triptans are typically the first-line prescriptions for migraines. However, providers may recommend against using them for chronic migraine because using them too often can cause medication overuse headaches or contribute to the transformation from episodic to chronic migraine.

What are the brand-name triptans?

Relpax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan), Imitrex or Onzetra (sumatriptan), and Zomig (zolmitriptan). Axert (almotriptan) is no longer available in the U.S.

What over-the-counter medications can treat migraines?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Some over-the-counter migraine products combine NSAIDs with caffeine.

Is acetaminophen an NSAID?

No. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, but it is available over the counter and experts often include it with NSAIDs because of its similarities.

What is ergotamine used for?

Ergotamine (Ergomar) narrows blood vessels in your brain and affects pain signal processing. It also comes combined with caffeine as Cafergot and Migergot.

What are rescue medications for migraine?

Medications that shorten a migraine or make it less severe. Experts recommend careful use because overuse can lead to or worsen chronic migraine.

What is nerve stimulation for chronic migraine?

A procedure targeting nerves involved in migraine pain, most commonly the vagus nerve, the occipital nerve at the back of your head, or the supraorbital nerves on your forehead.

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

A treatment that uses a magnetic field to influence your brain's electrical activity.

Can acupuncture help chronic migraine?

Acupuncture or acupuncture-like methods may help, and trained, licensed healthcare professionals offer these treatments.

Can therapy help chronic migraine?

Yes. Psychotherapy may help with stress and anxiety, both of which contribute to migraines, and there are many forms of therapy to choose from.

Is there a cure for chronic migraine?

There is currently no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the frequency and severity of migraines so they are less disruptive and more treatable.

Does chronic migraine ever go away?

Yes. It can transform back into episodic migraine, which happens in 26% to 70% of cases, and migraines generally become less frequent with age, often becoming rare or stopping after menopause for women.

How long does chronic migraine last?

It varies: months, years, or even decades, depending on family history, personal circumstances, triggers, and treatment effectiveness.

Can I prevent chronic migraine?

Not with 100% certainty, since experts do not fully understand how it develops. If you have episodic migraine, using headache medications wisely reduces the chance of transformation to chronic migraine.

What is a migraine journal?

A record you keep to track how your migraines change over time and identify possible triggers. It is one of the most helpful self-care tools.

How does weight affect chronic migraine?

Having obesity or excess weight can contribute to chronic migraine, so reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important.

Should I avoid alcohol with chronic migraine?

Alcoholic drinks are made through fermentation, a processing method linked to many trigger foods and drinks, and red wine is one of the most common trigger examples. Triggers vary from person to person, so a migraine journal can help you decide, and it is worth discussing alcohol with your provider.

Why should I watch out for cured and aged foods?

Curing additives, especially nitrates and nitrites, commonly trigger migraines, and aging certain foods, especially meats and cheeses, can create a trigger effect.

What are the emergency signs that need the ER?

A thunderclap headache (sudden and intense within minutes), an extremely severe "worst headache of your life," or hemiplegia (one-sided weakness or paralysis), all of which can signal stroke, aneurysm, or brain bleeding.

Can you tell the difference between a migraine and a stroke at home?

No. One-sided weakness can be migraine-related or a stroke sign, and you cannot tell on your own. Waiting to see if hemiplegia goes away can result in permanent brain damage or death if it is a stroke, so seek emergency care immediately.

Who should I see for chronic migraine?

A healthcare provider, typically a neurologist, on a regular schedule your provider recommends.

Can migraines stop after menopause?

For women, migraines typically become less frequent or stop completely after menopause.

Related Reading

Botox for Migraines: How It Works, Injection Sites and Results explains how Botox helps prevent chronic migraine.

• Migraine Headaches: Understanding Phases, Triggers, and Management

• Migraine Hangover (Postdrome): Symptoms, Recovery, and Management

• Medication-Overuse Headache: When Your Headache Medicine Becomes the Problem, and How to Break the Cycle

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, and What Actually Helps

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Migraine: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated April 1, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9638-chronic-migraine

2. Manack A, Buse DC, Serrano D, et al. Rates, predictors, and consequences of remission from chronic migraine to episodic migraine. Neurology. 2011;76(8):711-718. PMID: 21270413. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e31820d8af2

3. Bigal ME, Serrano D, Buse D, et al. Acute migraine medications and evolution from episodic to chronic migraine: a longitudinal population-based study. Headache. 2008;48(8):1157-1168. PMID: 18808500. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2008.01217.x

4. Schwedt TJ, Hentz JG, Sahai-Srivastava S, et al. Patient-centered treatment of chronic migraine with medication overuse: a prospective, randomized, pragmatic clinical trial. Neurology. 2022;98(14):e1409-e1421. PMID: 35169011. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000200117

5. Natoli JL, Manack A, Dean B, et al. Global prevalence of chronic migraine: a systematic review. Cephalalgia. 2010;30(5):599-609. PMID: 19614702. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01941.x

6. Schwedt TJ. Chronic migraine. BMJ. 2014;348:g1416. PMID: 24662044. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g1416

7. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1-211. PMID: 29368949. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202

8. Agostoni EC, Barbanti P, Calabresi P, et al. Current and emerging evidence-based treatment options in chronic migraine: a narrative review. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):92. PMID: 31470791. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-019-1038-4

9. Cho SJ, Song TJ, Chu MK. Treatment update of chronic migraine. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017;21(6):26. PMID: 28424953. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-017-0628-6

10. NHS. Migraine: Treatment. NHS website. Page last reviewed March 10, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/treatment/

Medical disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making decisions about treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.