Derriford

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a very severe headache, which is usually experienced at the front or sides of the head and most people describe migraines as a throbbing headache. Migraines are common, affecting around 15 percent of the British adult population.

There are two types of migraine: the classic migraine and the common migraine. Classic migraines are accompanied by aura symptoms, which are described as warning signs, while common migraines have no aura.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

Symptoms associated with classic migraines include (these are known as aura):

• Seeing bright spots, zig zag patterns or flashing lights
• A lack of coordination
• Problems with speech
• Tingling sensation, like pins and needles
• Stiffness

Most people experience aura symptoms between 15 and 60 minutes before the onset of a migraine.

Symptoms of a common migraine (when there are no aura symptoms) include:

• Nausea
• Heightened sensitivity to light and sound and some people are also sensitive to smells

Symptoms common to both classic and common migraines include:

• Sweating
• A lack of concentration
• Abdominal pain (this can sometimes pre-empt diarrhoea)
• Feeling very hot or very cold
• Needing to urinate on a regular basis

How can migraines be treated?

There is no cure for migraines but there are treatments available to ease symptoms. These include:

• Medication: painkillers are the usually the first treatment people try when they have a migraine and can be bought over the counter. If painkillers do not work your GP may advise you to take stronger medication. Triptan medicines work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain, which helps to counteract the dilation process believed to contribute to migraines. Triptan medicines do not work for everyone, but your GP may advise you to try them if you suffer from recurrent migraines.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: some people find that taking anti-inflammatory medication helps and tablets such as ibuprofen can be bought over the counter.
• Anti-nausea tablets: many people suffer from nausea when they get a migraine and you can buy some anti-sickness medications from pharmacies or ask your GP for a prescription.
• Migraine clinic: if you suffer from migraines on a regular basis and medication does not seem to work your GP may refer you to a migraine clinic.

Pregnant women are not advised to take painkillers, so it is best to talk to your GP about treatment for migraines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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