“Will migraine go away on its own?”
I get migraines. Will migraine go away on its own?
5 Answers
NeurologistNeurologist
Hi! I do not specialize in headaches-you are going to want to see a neurologist, a medicine doctor who specializes in the brain, not a neurosurgeon (who operates on the brain). I hope that helps point you in the right direction.
Migraine is generally a lifetime disease. However some are lucky, they may go several years even 20 years without a migraine attack then suddenly to return later. Almost 2/3 of female after their 50s they report less frequent migraine.
also generally when migraine is well controlled with medications for 2-3 years, several patients after discussion with their neurologist/headache specialist, they can discontinue their preventive medications, and they will have very rare migraine afterward.
also generally when migraine is well controlled with medications for 2-3 years, several patients after discussion with their neurologist/headache specialist, they can discontinue their preventive medications, and they will have very rare migraine afterward.
Patricio Espinosa
Neurologist
unlikely, but it can happen
Yes, migraines can resolve or improve with age for many people but not always. What the research and clinical experience show: 1. Improvement Over Time - Migraine frequency and severity often decrease with age, especially after age 50. - Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause in women) can lead to fewer migraines. - Some people experience spontaneous remission, meaning their migraines stop occurring entirely. 2. Persistence or Change in Pattern - While many improve, some people continue to have migraines into older age, though they may become less intense or shorter in duration. - In some cases, aura symptoms may persist without the headache (acephalgic migraines). 3. Chronic Migraine - People with chronic migraine may continue to have symptoms into later life unless treated. - But even chronic migraine can lessen over time with the right preventive strategies and natural changes in brain activity with aging. Summary: - Yes, migraines often improve or resolve with age, especially after middle age. - However, this varies from person to person. If migraines persist, treatment can still help improve quality of life. M. Ali, MD