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This Week - M : Migraine

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.

Check if it's a migraine

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 lot
• craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
• changes in your mood
• a stiff neck
• peeing 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 lights
• numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
• feeling dizzy
• difficulty speaking

Aura symptoms should not last for longer than an hour.

There are different types of migraine with different symptoms.

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.

See a GP if:

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

Call 999 if you or your child:

Treatment for migraines

Migraine treatments include:

• painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• medicines called triptans
• medicines 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.

Important

Try not to take high doses of painkillers too often as this could make it harder to treat your migraines.

Causes of migraines

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

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

The Migraine Trust has advice about what to record in a headache diary

Things you can do to ease or reduce migraines

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

Find out more

• The Migraine Trust: about 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.