HEALTH ADVICE – MIGRAINES

A migraine is a severe headache that has a number of associated symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity, and visual problems. Migraines affect 1 in 4 females and 1 in 12 men. It is thought that hormonal influences may be the reason why migraines are more common in women. We have detailed below some guidelines that may help you.

You can always talk to us to ask advice, either come in to see us or telephone on 01535 634727 or email us at info@crosshillspharmacy.co.uk

Migraine without an aura (common migraine)

•  Consisting of severe, throbbing headache, usually located on one side, with abdominal symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and dislike of food, constipation or diarrhoea. This affects about 90% of 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.

Migraine triggers

Many factors have been identified as triggering the onset of a migraine. These triggers include emotional, physical, dietary, environmental, and medicinal factors.

What treatment is available?

There is no cure for migraines. However, a number of treatment methods can be used for the symptoms.

The most common medicines for treating an attack are painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol. You may also find ibuprofen more effective in treating your symptoms of migraine.

Some medicines also have an anti-sickness ingredient. There are a number of combination medicines for migraine, which you can buy over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. These medicines contain both painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. If you are not sure which medicine is best for you, ask your pharmacist for advice. 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 (some are available to purchase from the pharmacy after consultation with the pharmacist) are not the same as painkillers. They work in a similar way to a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin which is in short supply during a migraine attack. Some triptan medicines work for some people but not for others. If one type of triptan medicine does not seem to be working, you should see your GP and ask them about other types.

Some people find that complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and homeopathy, help with migraines. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence as to the effectiveness of such treatment methods.