Talking To My Doctor
Nobody knows your migraines like you do, so it's only right that you be a full partner in how they're managed. When you visit your doctor, make sure you communicate the whole story – not just the symptoms, but also the impact of migraines on your life.
What's the difference between symptoms of migraine and the total impact of migraine?
A migraine's symptoms are the specific physical effects that you experience. For example, pain, aura, sensitivity to light are common migraine symptoms.
Impact refers to the effect that migraine has on your lifestyle. For example, missing important events or constantly thinking about your next migraine may indicate that migraines are impacting your life.
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Specific examples are especially helpful when describing impact.
Doctors can get a lot of information from your description of a particular migraine-related event or situation. What triggered it? What happened? How did you feel? These details can provide a great deal of insight into your condition.
Sometimes doctors may ask questions that are too closed-ended, inviting limited answers from the patient. So if you feel you're not getting across the true extent of how migraines are affecting you, take the initiative — stay with it until you're sure your doctor understands.
Think through your history with migraines before you visit your doctor. Write it down if it helps you remember.
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It helps to prepare for your doctor's visit ahead of time.
Bring your Migraine Diary and your completed Symptom Quiz. This will help your doctor understand your migraine patterns, review your medical history, and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Bring your Free Trial Voucher to your appointment to take advantage of a special offer if your doctor determines that TOPAMAX is an appropriate treatment for you.
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