Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Neurologist warns of 5 migraine mistakes that worsen attacks
Migraine is a very strong kind of headache that some people get, but it is actually a brain problem, not just a headache.
A doctor named Dr Rahul Chawla told people about five mistakes that can make migraines worse.
One mistake is waiting too long to take medicine, because medicine works best right at the start of a headache.
Another mistake is taking too much pain medicine, which can cause even more headaches.
Not sleeping enough, staying up late, or sleeping too much on weekends can also trigger migraines.
Things like skipping breakfast, not drinking enough water, weather changes, perfumes, and chocolate can be triggers, but they are different for each person.
Keeping a headache diary can help people figure out what causes their migraines.
Migraine can also make people feel sick, bothered by bright light and loud sounds, dizzy, and confused.
If someone gets a sudden explosive headache or has trouble speaking, they should see a doctor right away.
Eating well, sleeping regularly, drinking water, and managing stress can help reduce migraines.
Neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla shared five common mistakes that can make migraine attacks worse.
Taking migraine medicine late, rather than at the very start of an attack, makes the headache harder to control and can prolong it for two to three days.
Overusing painkillers can lead to Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) and may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney damage.
Sleeping less than six hours, staying up late, or oversleeping on weekends can trigger migraine attacks, according to Dr Chawla.
Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, brain fog, vertigo, and, in rare cases, paralysis.
- Who
- Neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla shared the advice, with supporting comments from Dr Jagdish Chattnalli, a senior minimal invasive brain and spine surgeon at HCG Hospitals Bengaluru.
- What
- Five common mistakes that can make migraine attacks worse: delaying medication, overusing painkillers, poor sleep habits, ignoring individual triggers, and underestimating migraine as a neurological disorder.
- When
- Not specified in the article; Dr Chawla's advice was 'recently shared' on Instagram.
- Where
- India — the article was published by The Indian Express and references Bengaluru West Clinics and HCG Hospitals Bengaluru.
- Why
- To help people with migraine avoid habits that worsen attacks and to promote earlier treatment, trigger tracking, and better long-term management.
- Condition
- Migraine — a complex neurological disorder, not just a severe headache
- Key expert
- Dr Rahul Chawla, neurologist
- Supporting expert
- Dr Jagdish Chattnalli, HCG Hospitals Bengaluru
- Medication timing
- Take acute migraine medicines early, ideally while the headache is still mild
- Overuse risk
- Medication Overuse Headache (MOH), stomach ulcers, kidney damage
- Sleep guidance
- Avoid sleeping less than six hours, staying up late, or oversleeping on weekends
- Trigger examples
- Skipping breakfast, dehydration, weather changes, perfumes, chocolate, certain foods
- Urgent warning signs
- Sudden explosive headache, weakness, difficulty speaking, seizures, loss of consciousness, persistent confusion