Wellbeing mattersMigraine

A migraine is a severe headache with other disabling symptoms that can prevent you from continuing with your normal daily activities.

Migraine attacks can last from two hours to 72 hours.

What are the symptoms of migraine?

Typical symptoms include:

  • intense headache, often on one side of the head
  • visual disturbances such as blind spots, distorted vision, flashing lights
  • nausea, vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • sensitivity to light, sounds and smells
  • stiff neck and shoulders
  • tingling or stiffness in the limbs

What causes migraine?

  • stress
  • overtiredness or changes in sleep patterns
  • lack of food or infrequent meals and certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • loud noise, strong smells, extreme hot or cold environment
  • bright, flashing or flickering lights
  • hormonal changes (in women)

What treatment is available?

There is no cure but usually, it can be treated effectively with drugs available over the counter such as the painkillers paracetamol or ibuprofen. There are combination medicines available which contain a painkiller and anti-sickness medication, if the headache is accompanied by nausea and medication for diarrhoea if this is a symptom.

If you have frequent or severe attacks your doctor can prescribe a preventative drug to be taken regularly.

Self-help

Keep a diary to identify any pattern in attacks. Record factors such as daily activities, what you eat and drink, the weather and your mood. This may help to identify any trigger factors. However, trigger factors may not always be your control. Stress is a significant trigger and stress management can be very beneficial. Relaxation techniques can help improve your stress levels.

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