MIND News

MIND’S DR. DANIEL SINGER TALKS MIGRAINE AWARENESS, TRIGGERS AND TREATMENT ON WWJ

June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. Dr. Daniel Singer, a board-certified neurologist at MIND, spoke with WWJ about migraine and headache conditions. During the interview, Dr. Singer explained that migraine is far more than “just a headache.”

“Migraine is actually a disease,” he said. “Too many people don’t look at it that way.”

According to Dr. Singer, migraine is the most common primary headache disorder and is often behind the moderate-to-severe recurring headaches that lead patients to seek medical care. While some headaches may be caused by tension, illness, or sinus infections, recurring severe headaches are frequently migraine related.

Understanding Migraine Triggers

Migraine is a genetic neurological disorder involving complex neurochemical changes in the brain. While the condition itself is rooted in biology, triggers can vary from person to person.

Some of the most common migraine triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Barometric pressure changes
  • Alcohol
  • Strong smells

“These triggers don’t cause migraine,” Dr. Singer explained. “They trigger an underlying disease process.”

This distinction is important because many patients dismiss symptoms or self-treat with over-the-counter medication without realizing specialized care may offer significantly better relief.

When Should You See a Specialist?

One of the most important steps in migraine care is determining whether symptoms are truly migraine or another condition.

At MIND’s Headache & Facial Pain Center, specialists work to evaluate headache symptoms thoroughly and rule out more serious causes before building a personalized treatment plan.

“There’s no test that proves migraine,” Dr. Singer shared. “Testing is usually done to exclude other more serious diagnoses.”

How Migraine Treatment Has Changed

The good news for patients: migraine care has advanced dramatically in recent years.

Dr. Singer noted that over the last seven to eight years, there has been a significant expansion in migraine-specific treatments — both to stop attacks when they happen and to reduce how often they occur.

Treatment options may include:

  • Lifestyle and trigger management
  • Preventive medications
  • Acute rescue medications
  • Infusion therapy
  • Botox® treatment
  • Nerve blocks
  • Advanced procedural interventions

“The success rate we have now in getting people functional and perhaps even headache-free is markedly better than it was even 10 years ago,” he said.

Daily Habits That Can Help

Dr. Singer also shared simple but important prevention strategies that can support migraine management:

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Stay hydrated
  • Exercise regularly
  • Manage stress
  • Limit alcohol
  • Reduce screen time during active symptoms
  • Rest in a dark, quiet room when symptoms begin

For many patients, these strategies can help reduce triggers and improve symptom control.

Find Specialized Headache Care at MIND

If headaches or migraines are interfering with your daily life, specialized care may help you find answers — and relief.

MIND’s Headache & Facial Pain Center offers advanced diagnosis and treatment for migraine, chronic headaches, facial pain, and complex neurological pain conditions.

Listen to Dr. Singer’s full WWJ interview here: https://www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/podcasts/2bf80c69d113972cd013b1751f2bca52/episodes/migraines_are_a_huge_problem_d-8450632

Learn more about MIND’s Headache & Facial Pain Center here: https://mindonline.com/headache-and-facial-pain-center/