Facts about migraine

6. Migraine is NOT just another name for headache - symptoms are different for individuals, but can include:

· intense throbbing headache which is often only on one side of the head
· visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots in the vision, zig zag patterns etc)
· nausea and vomiting
· sensitivity to light (photophobia)
· sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
· sensitivity to smells (osmophobia)
· tingling/pins and needles/weakness/numbness in the limbs

7. Around 60% of sufferers never consult their GP because they mistakenly think that nothing can be done to help them

8. There is a wide range of effective treatments now available, including new products introduced during the past year

9. Migraine is triggered by a huge variety of factors - not just cheese, chocolate and red wine!   Triggers are different for individuals, but common ones include:
· stress or sometimes relaxation after a stressful period
· physical or mental fatigue, lack of sleep or even too much sleep
· extreme emotions - eg anger, grief, tension
· missed meals or lack of food
· hormonal changes - eg monthly periods, contraceptive pill, HRT or the menopause

 10.   Acute treatments for migraine include:
· Non-prescription painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen can be effective if taken early enough and in appropriate dose
· Painkillers combined with anti-sickness drugs can help absorption of the painkillers and stop vomiting
· Migraine specific drugs (prescription only) which act directly on the cause of the attack to remedy the imbalance of serotonin in the brain - these too should be taken as soon as the headache starts
· Any of the above, especially if accompanied by a short rest, can relieve the attack within two hours

11.  If attacks are very frequent or severe, preventative treatment may be recommended

12.    Often the frequency and severity of attacks can be greatly reduced with simple self-help measures:
 · Keep a diary to try to identify any trigger factors
· Try to avoid any known triggers (without becoming obsessive)
· Eat regularly and avoid sugary snacks to keep blood sugar levels stable
· Drink plenty of water and reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol
· Maintain a regular sleep pattern
· Practise relaxation techniques to rid the body of tension and stress
· Try to get some fresh air and exercise every day
· Take up some form of regular exercise
· Take regular breaks from work, especially if it is repetitive or using VDUs
· Try to make the working environment as comfortable as possible
· Vary position during the working day to avoid stiffness and tension

We are indebted to the Migraine Action Association for their help in compiling this section.