[Previous Feature][Next Feature]

This Week - M : Migraine

Symptoms of migraine

Migraine is a condition that causes a set of symptoms known as a migraine attack.

The main symptoms of a migraine attack are:

• a throbbing headache - this can be severe, often on 1 side of the head and can be worse when you move around
• feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting)
• being very sensitive to light and sounds

You may also get symptoms at the start of a migraine attack, such as:

• feeling very tired and yawning a lot
• craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
• changes in your mood
• a stiff neck
• peeing more

Some people get warning signs that they're about to have a migraine attack (called aura), such as:

• problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
• numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
• feeling dizzy
• difficulty speaking

Aura symptoms should not last for longer than 1 hour.

Migraine attacks usually last between 4 hours and 3 days, with early symptoms (such as feeling very tired) starting hours or up to 2 days before the head pain starts and finishing after the headache stops.

Some people have migraine attacks several times a week, while others do not have them as often.

Migraine attacks that happen just before or during your period are called menstrual migraines. They are often longer and more severe than migraine attacks at other times.

Most people find their migraine attacks slowly get better as they get older.

In women, migraine often gets better after the menopause and sometimes improves in pregnancy.

Find out more

• The Migraine Trust: what is migraine?
• The Migraine Trust: stages of a migraine attack
• The Migraine Trust: types of migraine

See a GP if:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Call 999 if you or your child:

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Treatment for migraine

Migraine cannot be cured, but treatment can help:

• manage symptoms of a migraine attack
• prevent migraines attacks

The treatments available will depend on how severe your migraine is and how often you get migraine attacks.

You may have to try a combination of treatments before you find something that works for you.

Treatment for symptoms of a migraine attack includes:

• painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• medicines called triptans and gepants
• medicines that stop you feeling sick or being sick

If you're taking painkillers, take them as soon as your headache starts.

Treatment to prevent migraine attacks includes:

• medicines that help prevent migraine attacks, such as beta blockers, antidepressants and medicines for epilepsy
• acupuncture
• relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• vitamin B2

A GP may also recommend making changes to your lifestyle to help manage migraine, such as eating at regular times and drinking less caffeine.

If none of these treatments help your symptoms, or they're getting worse, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment.

Important

Try not to take painkillers for more than 2 days a week as this can cause you to get more headaches and make migraine harder to treat.

Find out more

• The Migraine Trust: treatment options
• The Migraine Trust: migraine in pregnancy

Causes of migraine

It's not known what causes migraine, but it happens when there are changes to nerves and blood vessels in the brain.

You're more likely to get it if you have a close family member who has it.

Women are also more likely to get migraine than men.

Some people find certain triggers can cause migraine attacks, such as:

• having your period
• anxiety and depression
• stress and tiredness
• skipping meals or not eating regularly
• too much caffeine
• not getting enough regular exercise

It can help to keep a migraine diary to help you work out what might trigger your migraine attacks.

Find out more

The Migraine Trust: keeping a headache diary

Things you can do to ease or reduce migraine

There are things you can do yourself to manage migraine, with help and advice from a GP.

Find out more

• The Migraine Trust: living with migraine

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.