Most people assume a migraine is simply a very bad headache. But migraine is actually a complex neurological condition that can affect concentration, mood, sleep, work performance, family life, and overall quality of life.

What surprises many people is how often migraines go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Some patients believe they suffer from “sinus headaches,” stress headaches, neck pain, eye strain, or hormonal headaches — when in reality they meet the criteria for migraine.

MIGRAINE SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ

1. Do you experience headaches more than 8 days per month?

•  Yes
• No

2. During headaches, do you become sensitive to light, sound, or strong smells?

• Yes
• No

3. Do your headaches interfere with work, social activities, or family time?

• Yes
• No

4. Do you ever experience nausea, dizziness, or brain fog during headaches?

• Yes
• No

5. Do weather changes, stress, poor sleep, skipped meals, or hormonal fluctuations trigger headaches?

• Yes
• No

6. Have you ever been told your headaches were “sinus headaches,” but sinus treatments didn’t fully solve the problem?

• Yes
• No

7. Do you feel tightness or pain in your jaw, temples, forehead, neck, or scalp?

• Yes
• No

• Yes
• No

9. Do you plan parts of your life around avoiding headaches?

• Yes
• No

10. Have your headaches become more frequent or more severe over time?

• Yes
• No

0–2 “Yes” Answers

Your headaches may be occasional and less consistent with migraine patterns. However, it’s still important to monitor triggers and symptom changes over time.

3–5 “Yes” Answers

There may be a migraine component to your headaches.

6+ “Yes” Answers

Your symptoms strongly suggest a migraine-related pattern that may warrant further evaluation. Migraine is highly treatable, especially when the underlying nerve and muscle involvement is properly addressed.

• Improved ability to function at work and home
• Greater confidence planning activities and social events

Taking the Next Step

If this quiz feels uncomfortably familiar, it may be time to explore whether migraine is playing a larger role in your life than you realized.

Dr. Jared Nabeta provides neuromodulator treatment for people living with migraine at Nabeta Dentistry in Burlington, and for people living with headaches in Oakville, Hamilton, and surrounding Halton Region communities. Call (905) 639-6701 or book at NabetaDentistry.com.

Treatment for migraine is offered only for migraine diagnosed by a physician, alongside the patient’s physician.