Migraine refers to repeated attacks of headache which are:

• Moderately or severely painful
• Frequent or infrequent
• Last a few hours to a few of days
• Often affecting one side of the head (but maybe bilateral in rare cases)
• Often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Migraine headache can be classified as:

• Classical migraine: This type is associated with ‘AURA’ -a paranormal activity consisting of neurological symptoms that maybe visual (related to sight), auditory (hearing related), or olfactory (unusual smells) etc.
• Common migraine: This occurs without aura and is more common.

Migraine aftects women more commonly than men. In childhood, however, migraine is more common in boys than in girls. It may begin or occur at any age but is rare after age 50. With increased age, attacks usually become less severe and less frequent.

• Talkativeness
• Surge of energy
• Hunger or decreased appetite
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Tension
• Restlessness

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Cold hands
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Scalp tenderness
• Pale color
• Pulsing temple
• Pressure pain

Migraine headaches are often triggered by:

Changes in daily cycles:

• Over sleeping
• Working late hours
• Missing breakfast
• Menses

Environment or Diet factors:

• Changes in weather
• Altitude
• Bright light/flashing light
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Some medications

Mental state:

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Depression
• Fear

It is common to sense a migraine attack before it starts:

• Common warning signs include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
• A patient may see an “aura” of flashing lights or colors
• Experiencing tunnel vision is also possible
• The warning signs may last about 15 – 30 minutes and are followed by the pain of the migraine itself

There are different types of headache and all of them are unique in their characteristics:

• The pain from migraine can range anywhere from pounding to throbbing pain. It often begins as a dull ache and develops into a throbbing pain
• Pain can often be worsened by physical activity
• The location of migraine headache can either be in the front of the head, at temples, behind one eye or all over the head
• Other symptoms which are accompanied by migraine headache are sensitivity to light, noise and odors, nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, a sensation of being very warm or cold, pallor, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, diarrhea and fever

Follow-up with a primary care physician and/or neurologist are important for patients with migraine. Common treatments for less severe Migraine include:

• Avoiding precipitants of attacks, if possible
• Resting in a darkened, quiet room is helpful just before and during an attack
• Some patients find cold compresses to painful areas helpful
• Medications
  • Analgesics (Aspirin, Paracetamol)
  • Triptans (in severe attack)
  • Ergotamine preparations
  • Anti-emetics
  • Beta-blockers (Gold standard for prophylaxis)

Find out how your Migraine can be more effectively treated.

For enquiries, Call 64057280