Migraine

Definition

Migraine is a type of headache caused by problems with the blood vessels in the head. Migraines can be experienced from as little as once or twice a year, or as often as two or three times a week. The pain is severe, throbbing and usually on one side of the head,it is often accompanied by feeling sick, vomiting or increased sensitivity to light. A migraine attack can last from four hours to three days and can affect your ability to do everyday activities.

Types

Classic Migraines – with warning signs before start (Aura)

Common Migraines – with No warning signs before start

Cause

What starts a migraine differs from person to person, but common triggers include the following.
• Bright or flashing lights, loud noises or strong smells such as chemical fumes
• Hot and humid days, bright sunlight or sudden changes in air pressure
• Hormone changes in women
• Medications
• Oversleeping or not getting enough sleep
• Going too long without eating
• Smoking or being around smoke
• Certain foods or drinks like chocolate, hard cheese or alcoholic drinks
• Nitrates found in many processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and deli meats
• Gluten found in wheat and other grains.
• Caffeine
• Eye strain
• Stress

Symptoms

  • Dull ache around the eye or temple
  • Irritability and lack of concentration
  • Throbbing, pulsing or pounding pain on one or both sides of the head.
  • Nausea and vomiting before and during a migraine headache
  • Light and sound sensitivity
  • Other symptoms include a stiff neck, weakness on one side, partial paralysis, confusion or fainting.

Complications

Status migraine: the pain lasts much longer than 72 hours and does not respond to standard treatment. You may need to go to hospital for pain relief and rehydration

Chronic Migraine: it is when you have migraines for more than 15 days per month and where you will have to take more medications to control such migraines. In turn, this can lead to further headaches, known as medication-overuse headaches.

Migraine has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of anxiety and panic disorder, depression and stroke (where the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked).

Treatment

You cannot cure your migraines but you can prevent them and control them:

• Avoid smoke and alcohol

• Exercise

• Apply a cold pad to the area
Use a towel to cover a plastic bag full of ice– do not put the ice pack directly on the skin

• Use Deep breathing techniques to relax

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

• Medicines (such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen) may be effective in treating the headache symptoms of mild/moderate migraines. Soluble versions of these painkillers are absorbed more quickly and may work better than tablets. They are generally more effective if you use them as soon as you know a migraine attack is coming on. They are not suitable for everybody and can cause side effects in some people. If you use any kind of painkiller for your migraine too frequently, it may become less effective and may cause medication-overuse headache.

Resources

UKHealthCare

Migraine Research Foundation

Bupa's health information team

Better Health channel