Migraines

Migraines

Migraines are attacks of headache. Migraines affect twice as many women as men. About 20% experience one or more migraine attacks during their lifetime. A migraine attack usually lasts between 4 and 72 hours.

What is migraine?

Migraines are attacks of one-sided and pulsating headaches, which are often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people find that they get altered sensory impressions before the actual migraine attack. This phase is called the aura. Examples of aura can be tingling in the body, numbness or visual disturbance.

What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache?

• Migraine attacks often last longer than normal headaches

• Migraines often cause a throbbing/pulsating pain

• The pain often gets worse if you are active

• Many people feel nauseous during a migraine attack

• Light or sound can worsen migraine attacks

• Migraine attacks often cause unilateral headaches

Causes of migraine

The mechanisms in the brain that cause migraine attacks are not fully understood. New knowledge suggests that migraine attacks are caused by the nerves around the blood vessels in the brain becoming more sensitive. Heredity seems to play a role in who gets migraines. In addition, we know a number of factors that can trigger migraines (see below).

Factors that can trigger a migraine attack

• Menstruation and certain birth control pills

• Certain foods, such as chocolate, cheese and citrus fruits

• Red wine

• Lack of sleep

• Stress

• Irregular meals or skipping a meal

• Exercise or hard physical activity

Symptoms of migraine

Attacks with moderate to severe, one-sided and pulsating headaches that tend to worsen with moderate physical activity. Migraine attacks are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound.

Between 10-20% experience a phase before the seizure itself with altered sensory impressions. This is called an aura, and can result in visual disturbances, numbness, speech difficulties or paralysis. A migraine attack usually lasts between 4 and 72 hours.

Good advice for migraines

If you have had one or more migraine attacks, there are certain steps you can take in your everyday life that can help reduce the risk of new migraine attacks:

• Use a headache calendar to find out your headache pattern.

• Avoid factors that you know can trigger migraine attacks.

• Eat regularly.

• Avoid unnecessary stress.

• Have a regular circadian rhythm and make sure you get enough sleep.

• Exercise regularly.

Migraine stick

Many people experience good pain relief with a migraine stick for migraines. A migraine stick is a cool stick that is applied to the temple for headaches and migraines. The stick contains menthol and should be kept in the fridge.

Medicinal treatment of migraine

Seizure medicine is medicine that is used when you have had a migraine attack. There are several different types of seizure medicine. The first choice is common painkillers, such as paracetamol or NSAIDs. Be aware that long-term use of painkillers can trigger chronic headaches.

If ordinary painkillers do not have a satisfactory effect, triptans are often tried. These are prescription medicines available as tablets, disintegrating tablets, nasal sprays, injections and suppositories. Nasal sprays, injections and suppositories can be beneficial for migraine attacks where nausea is common.

Preventive medication can be considered if you have two or more migraine attacks a month.