Chronic Migraine

A severe form of migraine defined by 15 or more headache days per month, of which at least 8 have migraine features.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 9, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Chronic Migraine?

Chronic migraine is defined by headache on at least 15 days per month for 3 months, with at least 8 of those days having migraine features. Medication overuse is an important driver of the transition from episodic to chronic migraine.

Chronic migraine often coexists with sleep disturbance, depression and anxiety. Absenteeism, restriction of daily activities and a substantial drop in quality of life reflect the burden of this condition.

Treatment focuses on avoiding medication-overuse headache, optimising preventive therapy and reducing triggers. Botulinum toxin and CGRP-targeted therapies are approved options for chronic migraine.

Symptoms

Headache on 15 or more days per month

A substantial proportion of attacks have migraine features (throbbing, nausea, light sensitivity)

A daily or near-daily background headache of low intensity

Reduced response to analgesics or overuse

Sleep disturbance and fatigue

Cognitive slowing and difficulty concentrating

Risk Factors

A history of episodic migraine

Overuse of analgesics (3 or more days per week)

Female sex and hormonal fluctuation

Stress, sleep disturbance and obesity

Depression and anxiety

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

When headache occurs on more than 15 days per month
When existing treatments no longer feel effective
When use of pain relievers is steadily increasing
When the character of the headache changes noticeably

Treatment Methods

Preventive therapies: beta-blockers, valproate, topiramate

Botulinum toxin injection (approved for chronic migraine)

CGRP antagonists (monoclonal antibodies, prescribed by specialist centres)

Management of medication-overuse headache: withdrawal of the offending agent

Lifestyle changes: sleep hygiene, stress management, regular meals

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.