Migraines affect 1 in 8 people in the UK and cost the economy around £1bn a year, according to research from the charity Migraine Action. Despite being classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a major health disorder, they are poorly understood.
Types of Migraine
Migraines are described as an ‘attack’, which can last from 4 – 72 hours. During an attack the blood vessels in the brain dilate, which stimulates the nerve endings causing a throbbing headache, typically on one side of the head. The International Headache Society has defined different types of migraines according to their symptoms. Here are the most common types:-
- Migraines with aura affect 70-90% of migraineurs. Aura is a term for nervous system symptoms such as vision disturbances (seeing stars, blind spots or flashing lights), numbness, tingling or dizziness, which usually subsides within an hour of an attack.
- Migraines without auraare less common, affecting 10-30% of migraineurs. Onset is sudden and you may experience other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Migraines happen in ‘stages’, which is what differentiates them from a headache.
- Premonitory stage (1-24 hours). You may feel tired, thirsty or have sweet cravings prior to the migraine.
- Aura stage (5 mins – 1 hour) – you may experience visual disturbances.
- The main attack (4-72 hours), categorized by a throbbing pain on one side of the head.
- Recovery stage – you feel weak and tired as the migraine slowly fades or disappears after vomiting.
Causes of Migraine
The exact causes aren’t known although hereditary factors are thought to play a part. Headache researchers have identified certain triggers, which can cause them. These may be in isolation or as a group so it’s important to keep a record of when your migraines happen and what you have been doing that day. Common triggers include stress, missing meals, PMT and menstruation (they are more prevalent in women due to hormonal changes in the body), lack of sleep, environmental factors such as computers or harsh lighting, alcohol and certain types of food. Cheese, coffee, citrus fruits and alcohol are common culprits.
Pain Relief for Migraine
Treatment is tailored toward to the individual depending on the type and regularity of the migraine. There is no cure as such but they can be effectively managed. Some lifestyle and dietary changes may be required. Keep a migraine diary to show your GP. Note the location and type of pain, any triggers and what you were doing prior to and 6-8 hours before an attack. Prescription drugs can help reduce nausea and sickness, or correct serotonin imbalances in the brain, which have been linked to migraine.
Complimentary therapies such as relaxation therapy, acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies may also help. As a preventative measure, researchers at Gotebörg University in Sweden found that moderate exercise three times a week helped reduce the severity of attacks. This is because exercise helps the body to create its own natural pain relief chemicals.
In a study of 400 migraine patients published in the British Medical Journal those who were treated with acupuncture saw a 34% improvement and suffered 22 fewer headaches per year, used 15% less medication and made 25% fewer trips to the GP. The researchers concluded that acupuncture was helpful to patients suffering chronic headache. To find a practitioner in your area call the British Acupuncture Council on 0208 735 0400 or visit their website.
Migraines are very common and can have a big impact on your ability to function normally at home and work. Research is ongoing and triggers have been identified. They can't be 'cured' but they can be effectively managed via holistic and medical means.
References
A Study to Evaluate the Feasibility of an Aerobic Exercise Program in Patients With Migraine.
Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain,Volume 49, Issue 4, April 2009, Pages: 563-570.
Acupuncture for Chronic Headache in Primary Care: large, pragmatic, randomised trial. Vickers et al, BMJ 2004;pages 328:744.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your health practitioner for specific guidance on a health issue.
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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