Managing Your Chronic Migraines
October 24, 2025
Migraines can cause complete disability for a few hours to several days at a time. Many people are used to ‘sleeping it off’ or using medications that causes them to feel fatigued or unwell, leading to even more time lost.
Adil F. Niaz, D.O., a neurologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializing in headache medicine and facial pain, offers advice on managing migraines so you can enjoy your life with fewer interruptions.
Know the Warning Signs
According to Dr. Niaz, more than 70% of those with migraines experience mood changes, fatigue, or neck pain up to two days before a migraine. Many of his patients also report feeling stressed, tired, or sad for no apparent reason. These pre-headache warning signs are known as a migraine prodrome.
Dr. Niaz says if you can identify the warning signs of a migraine, you can start treatment earlier. The earlier you treat a migraine, the more likely you are to shorten the length of an attack.
Be Prepared
You may not be able to predict when you’ll get a migraine, but you can be prepared. Dr. Niaz recommends working with your doctor to have a good rescue medication available. He also suggests having tools available to help manage your symptoms. Some items he recommends include blackout curtains, a headache ice cap and earplugs.
If you feel a migraine coming on, he also emphasizes the importance of asking for help. “It’s okay to lean on family and friends if you need to. The more you take care of yourself while you are having a migraine, the sooner you will feel better,” he says.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is important, but especially so if you suffer from migraines. “If you suffer from chronic migraines, you should get good quality, restful sleep, eat well and stay hydrated,” says Dr. Niaz.
He also informs his patients that managing stress is a big part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “Feeling ‘overstimulated’ or ‘stressed out’ can make you more susceptible to developing a migraine,” says Dr. Niaz. He recommends meditation or deep breathing exercises as a means to reduce stress.
Make the Most of Good Days
Chronic migraines can cause people to miss work, important events, and lose time with their loved ones. Dr. Niaz tells those with migraines to make the most of their good days by doing whatever brings them happiness. “Don’t feel guilty for using your good day on something 'non-productive' like binge-watching your favorite TV show,” he says.
Recognizing and Treating Chronic Migraines
While migraines are common, Dr. Niaz explains that they are often undiagnosed and untreated.
“About 50% of people living with chronic migraines in America have not been formally diagnosed. Many who have been diagnosed have never been prescribed a migraine-specific rescue medication, and use nonspecific medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen,” says Dr. Niaz.
If you suspect you have migraines, Dr. Niaz suggests seeing a neurologist. “The good news is that there are many treatment options available. It may take a few trials to find a medication that works for you, but it is worth going through this process to find a treatment that allows consistent, reliable relief without side effects,” he says.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our experts: Adil F. Niaz, D.O.
- To make an appointment with Dr. Niaz or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about neuroscience at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
