Migraine - July 2023
Migraine is a recurrent and disabling neurological disorder characterised by intense head pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Migraines typically last between 4 and 72-hours. Symptoms may include:
Nausea and vomiting
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).
- Throbbing pain that worsens with normal activity.
- Vomiting
- Aura – flashing lights or visual disturbance
- Pins and needles in arms and legs
In the early stages of a migraine, the pain is usually severe and focused to one side of the head. The head may throb, and the person may feel increased sensitivity to light and sound causing nausea and vomiting. Lasting anywhere between a few hours and a few days, a migraine can be quite debilitating affecting the everyday activities of the person affected.
What causes a migraine:
There are number of options for managing migraines including:
- Weather changes
- Skipping meals
- Consuming certain foods including citrus, chocolate, food additives, cheese
- Alcoholic beverages
- Excessive stress
- Altered sleep patterns – too little or too much sleep
- Fatigue
- Hormonal changes such as menstruation and oral contraception
Treatment:
There are number of options for managing migraines including:
- Pain-relief medication such as over-the-counter medication or prescription medication. Migraines are treated more effectively when medication is taken at the earliest onset of
symptoms. - Resting in a quiet, dark room
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding triggers
- Eliminating certain foods from the diet which are known to trigger migraines
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing etc.
- Acupuncture
- Psychological therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy
If you are suffering from migraines, talk to you GP to discuss your management options. Also, consider keeping a diary noting when the migraine started, the activity you were doing at the time, and anything that either provokes or relieves the pain. In doing so, the triggers of migraine may be identified.
