Chronic Migraine and Headache Treatment in Laval and Greater Montreal
Frequent migraine attacks can disrupt daily life. In Laval, LABELLE Clinic offers a comprehensive medical consultation.
First, our team reviews your symptoms and medical history. Then, we discuss a care plan tailored to your needs.
Our clinic welcomes patients from Laval and Greater Montreal. This page explains migraine symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. You will also learn how to recognize signs of chronic migraine.
The medical consultation costs $190 CAD. It helps clarify your diagnosis, consider other causes and guide treatment.
On this page
Understanding chronic migraine and headaches
Symptoms that deserve a medical assessment
Migraine is a neurological disease that causes recurring attacks. Their frequency and severity can affect your activities. A medical assessment helps clarify your situation.
An attack may involve throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. However, symptoms vary between people. Migraine belongs to the primary headache disorders described by the World Health Organization.
Why seek care for frequent migraine attacks?
A medical assessment first helps clarify the diagnosis. It also considers other possible causes. Any recent change in your headaches deserves particular attention.
Next, your doctor discusses treatments and factors that may influence your attacks. Our family medicine service can support you through this process.
How do I know if my migraines are chronic?
First, headache frequency helps distinguish episodic migraine from chronic migraine. The ICHD-3 classification outlines three key features:
- Headaches on at least 15 days per month.
- At least 8 of those days involve migraine features.
- This pattern continues for more than three months.
These chronic migraine criteria come from the ICHD-3 classification. However, these thresholds alone do not establish a diagnosis. Your doctor also reviews previous attacks and other possible causes.
Count headache days, then describe your symptoms
Count the days affected, rather than the number of attacks. For example, an attack lasting three days represents three headache days. Several episodes on one day still count as one headache day.
Also record days when the pain feels milder. They may contribute to your monthly headache total. However, your doctor determines which days involve migraine features.
Keep a headache diary before your consultation
Keep a headache diary for at least one month. Record your symptoms and medication use each day. Then, bring these notes and your headache history from previous months to your appointment.
- Date, duration and pain severity.
- Nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and any aura symptoms.
- Medications taken, days of use and their effects.
- Sleep, menstrual periods and effects on daily activities.
You can still seek care with fewer than 15 headache days per month. Less frequent attacks may also warrant preventive treatment. You can request a medical assessment in Laval today.
Migraine vs. headache: what is the difference?
A headache describes a symptom. Migraine, however, is a neurological disease. It usually involves headaches alongside other symptoms, such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Therefore, not every headache is a migraine attack. Tension-type headache is another common cause. The following table compares their usual features in adults.
| Feature | Migraine | Episodic tension-type headache |
|---|---|---|
| Pain quality | Often throbbing, sometimes on one side. | Pressure or tightness, often on both sides. |
| Severity | Usually moderate to severe. | Usually mild to moderate. |
| Everyday activities | Walking or climbing stairs may worsen pain. | Routine activities generally do not worsen pain. |
| Other symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. | Usually no nausea; sensitivity to either light or sound may occur. |
| Typical duration | 4 to 72 hours without effective treatment in adults. | 30 minutes to 7 days. |
These comparisons draw on criteria for migraine without aura and episodic tension-type headache. However, symptoms can vary and overlap. One person may experience both headache types.
Can migraine aura occur without a headache?
Yes, aura can sometimes occur without a headache. It may involve reversible changes in vision or sensation. These symptoms help doctors recognize migraine with aura.
However, new neurological symptoms need prompt medical assessment. Do not automatically attribute them to a familiar aura. Sudden symptoms may require emergency care.
Tension-type headache and migraine can occur in the same person. Distinguishing their symptoms helps you describe each episode. Also record any migraine triggers you notice.
Recognizing different headache disorders
A medical assessment helps distinguish the main types of migraine from other headache disorders. This step then guides treatment choices.
| Type | Main features | Usual approach |
|---|---|---|
| Migraine without aura | Often throbbing pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. | Acute treatment and prevention as needed. |
| Migraine with aura | Changes in vision, sensation or speech that are usually reversible. | Medical assessment; specialist referral when needed. |
| Tension-type headache | Pressure, often on both sides, usually mild to moderate. | Care tailored to symptom frequency. |
| Chronic daily headache | An umbrella term for several conditions involving very frequent headaches. | Medical assessment to clarify the cause and treatment. |
| Cluster headache | Extremely severe attacks, often around one eye. | Assessment and specialist care. |
These descriptions do not replace a medical diagnosis. Some features may overlap. A consultation helps clarify your situation.
What to expect at your migraine consultation
Before your appointment
First, record how often you have had headaches over recent weeks. Describe their location, duration and severity. Also note any symptoms that accompany them.
Prepare a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Record treatments you have tried and how well they worked. Include your allergies and family medical history.
During your consultation
Your doctor begins with a detailed discussion. Next, they perform an appropriate examination, including a neurological assessment. Depending on your needs, our ongoing medical care service can support continuity of care.
A migraine diagnosis relies primarily on your symptoms and medical examination. Imaging is not routinely needed for typical migraine with a normal examination. Your doctor determines which investigations are appropriate.
When should you seek urgent help?
A sudden, extremely severe headache requires immediate assessment. Call 911 for sudden weakness, speech difficulties or confusion. Fever with a stiff neck also requires urgent assessment.
Do not wait for a reply through the clinic’s contact form in these situations. For non-urgent questions, Info-Santé 811, option 1, can provide guidance.
Chronic migraine treatment options
Your doctor develops a treatment plan after the assessment. They consider attack frequency and its effects on daily life. Migraine Canada explains the main migraine treatment options available.
Acute migraine treatment
Some pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may help during an attack. Migraine-specific medications, including triptans, may also be prescribed. Your doctor checks contraindications before recommending an acute migraine treatment.
However, frequent use of certain medications can contribute to ongoing headaches. The risk depends on the medication and days of use. Your doctor therefore checks for possible medication-overuse headache.
Preventive migraine treatment
Preventive migraine treatment aims to reduce attack frequency and its effects on daily life. It may be considered when migraine interferes with your activities. Several options can then be discussed.
Next, treatment choices depend on your medical history, preferences and response. Adjustments may be needed. Canadian Headache Society recommendations help inform care.
Neuromodulator injections for chronic migraine
Preventive injection treatment may be considered for some adults with chronic migraine. Your doctor assesses suitability based on your diagnosis and previous treatments. Insurance coverage criteria may differ from medical eligibility.
Preventive injections for chronic migraine require a medical assessment and an appropriate treatment protocol. Their effectiveness varies between people. Your doctor explains the expected benefits, risks and precautions.
Our neuromodulator treatment pathway for chronic migraine begins with an assessment. Your doctor then explains the procedure, precautions and fees. Treatment goals differ from those of cosmetic injections.
Complementary approaches
Depending on your situation, relaxation and psychological support may complement treatment. Physiotherapy may also be discussed when appropriate. Our mental health page outlines services for anxiety and depression.
Finally, migraine that remains difficult to manage may require a specialist referral. Discuss this possibility with your doctor. Our neuromodulators for chronic migraine page explains the clinic’s care pathway.
Migraine prevention and everyday habits
Certain factors may increase migraine frequency. Identifying them can help with prevention. Your doctor can help you develop a personalized plan.
Common migraine triggers
Irregular sleep and stress can influence migraine attacks. However, triggers vary between people. A consistent sleep schedule can complement your prevention plan.
Hormonal changes, dehydration and skipped meals may also play a role. Record these observations in your diary. If relevant, explore our women’s health service.
Practical prevention tips
Try to maintain regular sleep and meal times. Stay hydrated throughout the day. For dietary support, visit our dietitian and nutrition services page.
Include moderate physical activity in your routine. Practise stress management techniques. Limit caffeine later in the day.
Migraine support resources can help you manage daily life with this condition. In addition, a migraine education resource kit can help you prepare questions.
Follow-up care and treatment adjustments
Migraine treatment often requires adjustments. Follow-up appointments help assess effectiveness and side effects. Depending on your situation, you may discuss a telemedicine consultation with our team.
Bring your headache diary to each medical follow-up appointment. Record treatment effects and any side effects. These observations help guide the next steps.
Worsening migraine attacks or a changing headache pattern deserve medical assessment. For non-urgent symptoms, our walk-in clinic can provide information about appointment availability.
How much does a migraine consultation cost?
Comprehensive medical consultation
A consultation at LABELLE Clinic costs $190 CAD. This fee covers the medical assessment, discussion of your diagnosis and initial recommendations.
Additional tests, if required, are billed separately. Prescribed treatments are not included in this fee. You can request a cost estimate before making a decision.
Frequently asked questions about migraine
What examinations are performed during the consultation?
Your doctor reviews your history and performs an appropriate examination, including a neurological assessment. Additional tests are ordered only when needed. Blood tests alone cannot confirm a migraine diagnosis.
How much does the consultation cost?
The medical consultation costs $190 CAD. This fee covers the assessment and recommendations. Additional tests and treatments are billed separately.
Can I book without a family doctor?
Yes, our team welcomes adults who do not have a family doctor. You can contact the clinic by phone or use the form. Our team will then explain appointment availability.
Do you welcome patients from Montreal?
Yes, our Laval clinic welcomes patients from Greater Montreal. Check our contact details and opening hours to plan your visit.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Record headache frequency and severity, then list treatments you have tried. Bring your questions as well. A separate health checkup can be discussed if appropriate for your situation.
Request a migraine assessment in Laval
To discuss your migraines, contact our clinic in Laval. Our medical team also welcomes patients from Greater Montreal.
400, boul. du Curé-Labelle, Suite 302, Laval, Quebec H7V 2S7
Mobile: 514-516-6624
Telephone: 514-933-7014
Fax: 514-933-7015
www.medlabelle.com | www.cliniquecurelabelle.ca