Migraine

Migraine is associated with chemical changes in the brain

Migraine, a debilitating condition characterised by severe headaches and a range of other physical symptoms, affects approximately 10% of the UK population. A majority of sufferers are women, half of whom relate their migraine attacks to their hormonal cycle.

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What is migraine?

There are two types:

Migraine without an aura (common migraine)

This consists of a severe, throbbing headache, usually located on one side, with abdominal symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dislike of food, constipation or diarrhoea. This affects about nine out of 10 sufferers.

Sufferers may also experience sensitivity to smell, light and noise, which leads them to rest in a quiet, darkened room.

Migraine with aura (classical migraine)

The headache is preceded by visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zig zag lines and blind spots, or tingling limbs.

The average length of a migraine attack is 22 hours and sufferers generally feel washed out for another one to two days afterwards.

The average number of attacks per sufferer is 13 per year.

What causes migraine?

The exact reason why migraine occurs is unknown. However, research suggests that attacks are linked to chemical changes in the body and that blood vessels and certain nerve cells in the head are involved.

These changes appear to be triggered in susceptible people by stress.

Other triggers are:

• Physical fatigue or lack of sleep
• Too much sleep
• Certain foods such as cheese and alcohol
• Extreme emotions
• Missed meals
• Hormonal factors, such as use of the contraceptive pill and periods

What treatment is available?

The most common medicines for treating an attack are painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol.

Some medicines also have an anti-sickness ingredient, or this can be taken separately.

If over-the-counter treatments do not help there are medicines available on prescription, which are specifically for migraine.

These acute treatments, known as triptans, work in a similar way to a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin which is in short supply during a migraine attack.

They are available in a range of formulations, such as tablets, injections and a nasal spray.

Preventive treatments, in the form of tablets taken every day, may be given to patients experiencing four or more migraine attacks per month.

However, since these medications seldom completely banish attacks an acute treatment should be close to hand to treat those attacks that still occur.

Is advice available?

It is important to seek advice from your GP. The Migraine Action Association also runs a helpline on: 01932-352468.

This page contains basic information. If you are concerned about your health, you should consult a doctor.