How to tell a migraine apart from a headache
If you have recurrent headaches, you may be suffering from the common neurological condition known as migraine. The treatment for a migraine headache is different from a normal headache, which is why it is important to have migraine diagnosed and treated properly.
A migraine attack can last for a few hours to a few days. When it is severe, it can be disabling and affect your work and daily life.
“Seek treatment early if you have headaches that are frequent, severe or affecting your life,” says Dr Yasmin Idu Jion, Consultant, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute.
A migraine headache is typically…
pulsating and throbbing, beginning or staying on one side of the head
accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound and smell
accompanied by nausea or vomiting
A migraine headache may become worse with physical activity.
Some migraine sufferers may have warning signs of an impending headache. This is called an ‘aura’ and may include tingling/numbness of limbs or a vision of zigzag lines and flashing lights.
What causes migraine?
A combination of lifestyle, diet and environmental factors as well as hormones may play a part in triggering a migraine attack.
“Migraines tend to run in the family. The patient may have other family members who also suffer from recurrent headaches and may be sensitive to certain triggers that can lead to a headache attack,” says Dr Jion.
Some common triggers include:
Environment – weather, humidity, bright lights, certain smells, loud noise
Lifestyle – poor sleep or lack of sleep, skipping meals or irregular mealtimes, stress
Diet – cheese, chocolates, caffeine, preservatives, alcohol, lack of water
Hormonal – menstruation, menopause, hormonal medications
“Migraine attacks can be minimised by avoiding the triggers where possible. Keeping a headache diary will help to identify factors that have any relationship to the headache patterns,” says Dr Jion.
Migraine is treated with medication and lifestyle measures.
Medication:
Symptomatic – These include painkillers and specific migraine drugs which are taken during a migraine attack to relieve symptoms.
Prophylactic – these are suitable for severe migraine cases, and are taken daily for at least 4 to 6 months until the condition is better controlled.
Lifestyle measures:
Get enough sleep and have a regular sleep routine.
Have regular mealtimes and have a balanced and nutritious diet.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water daily.
Get regular physical exercise.
Manage stress.
Limit alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid smoking.
Botox treatment may help in severe cases of migraine.
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