Migraine
Overview
A migraine usually feels like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on 1 side. It's common and there are things you can try to help.
Symptoms
A migraine tends to be a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as: feeling very tired and yawning a lotcraving certain foods or feeling thirstychanges in your mooda stiff neckpeeing more You may also get warning signs you're about to have a migraine (called an aura), such as: problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lightsnumbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needlesfeeling dizzydifficulty speaking Aura symptoms should not last for longer than an hour. There are different types of migraine with different symptoms. No warning signs Migraine without aura Warning signs like seeing zigzag lines, numbness or tingling, feeling dizzy or difficulty speaking just before the migraine starts Migraine with aura Symptoms like flashing lights, but no headache Migraine aura without headache (silent migraine) Migraines usually last between 2 hours and 3 days, with some symptoms (such as feeling very tired) starting up to 2 days before the head pain starts and finishing after the headache stops. Some people have migraines several times a week, while others do not have them very often. It's common to have migraines before or during your period, called menstrual migraines. Most people find their migraines slowly get better as they get older.
Causes
It's not known what causes migraines. You're more likely to get them if you have a close family member who gets them. Some people find certain triggers can cause migraines, such as: starting their periodanxiety and depressionstress and tirednessnot eating regularly or skipping mealstoo much caffeinenot getting enough exercise It can help to keep a migraine diary to help you work out what might trigger your migraines.
Treatment
Migraine treatments include: painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamolmedicines called triptansmedicines that stop you feeling sick or being sick You may have to try a combination of medicines before you find something that works. A GP may also recommend making changes to your lifestyle to help manage your migraines, such as eating at regular times and drinking less caffeine. If your migraines are severe, you might be offered other things to help, such as learning relaxation techniques and acupuncture. If these treatments do not manage your migraines, you may be offered a new type of medicine called a gepant. These work in a different way than other migraine medicines, so may be of more use to you. The Migraine Trust has more information on gepants 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. Try not to take high doses of painkillers too often as this could make it harder to treat your migraines.
Prevention
Identify triggers; regular meals/sleep/exercise; hydration. preventative meds (beta-blockers/amitriptyline).
When to see a doctor
See GP if: severe/frequent; aura >1 hour; symptoms change. Urgent if sudden agony/stiff neck.