Migraine

Migraine headache

Migraines are a severe form of headache, usually involving visual disturbances. However, they may also include other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or pins and needles.

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What is a Migraine?

  • A migraine is a severe headache.
  • It is classified as either with, or without ‘Aura’.
  • Aura is one or more other symptoms which usually occur before a migraine really sets in.
  • Those who suffer regularly from migraines learn to see this as a warning signal.

There are commonly seen to be 5 stages of a migraine, although not everyone will go through all of them:

  1. Prodromal stage
    The ‘pre-headache’ stage may demonstrate symptoms such as mood swings, tiredness, and loss of appetite. This may start a few hours or several days before a migraine appears.
  2. Aura
    Many people experience an ‘aura’ just before a headache appears. It is often visual, for example flashing lights or floaters in the vision. Other signs such as nausea or dizziness may be present.
  3. Headache stage
    Usually, this is a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Light sensitivity and a dislike of loud noises are common. Often the patient just wants to lie in a dark room. This may last anywhere from 4-72 hours.
  4. Resolution stage
    The symptoms will usually fade away. Sleep often helps.
  5. Postdromal stage
    Feelings of tiredness or weakness after a headache has subsided.

What causes a Migraine?

Migraines are thought to be caused by a change in the level of the hormone Serotonin. Low levels of Serotonin cause a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain which may cause the ‘aura’. They then expand again, causing a rush of blood to the brain and the resultant headache.

Due to the connection with hormones, women often experience migraines, before, during, or just after their monthly period.

Many other factors have been identified as ‘triggers’ for hormones. These include stress and emotional factors, tiredness, muscle tension, menopause, dehydration, hunger, caffeine, and alcohol. Certain medications are also linked with migraines.

Treatment

There is no cure for migraines, although many forms of treatment have been shown to either ease them when they arrive or reduce their frequency.

  • Painkillers such as paracetamol can be used to ease a headache.
  • If these are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers.
  • Some people find that anti-inflammatory medications are more effective.
  • Anti-nausea medications are available if you suffer from feelings of sickness.
  • Avoid known triggers.

Regular migraines or those which are becoming more frequent should also be investigated by your Doctor. Further tests such as blood tests or even CT or MRI scans may be requested to check for other conditions.

For hormonal migraines, treatments such as oestrogen patches and contraceptive pills can be effective in balancing the hormones.

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