Raising awareness about the challenges faced by those living with migraines is vital, especially given that this condition affects over a billion people worldwide1,2.
Often regarded as simply a bad headache, migraine is in fact a recurrent, often life-long, condition with a range of symptoms. It is also the second-leading cause of disability worldwide3.
According to the International Headache Society, to be diagnosed with migraine disease, patients must have had at least five headache attacks that lasted between four and 72 hours, and the attacks must have had at least two of the following characteristics4:
- Location on one side4 or behind the eye5
- A throbbing or pulsating sensation4
- Moderate or severe pain4
- Migraine being worsened by or causing the avoidance of everyday physical activities4
Other symptoms can include sensitivity to light and sounds; and nausea5.
There are two main types of migraine: a migraine with and without aura. A migraine with aura begins with a range of possible visual, sensory, speech or language symptoms that can last for minutes or hours. Visual aura can include flashes of light, blind spots, bright spots, and blurred or loss of vision and are the most common, followed by sensory aura, often in the form of pins and needles3. These symptoms can be followed by or can overlap with moderate-to-severe headache3.
A migraine without an aura generally refers to an attack lasting four to 72 hours. These headaches tend to be moderate or severe and take place in one side of the brain, often with a pulsating sensation. Other symptoms often include nausea, vomiting and/or oversensitivity to light or sound3.
The actual cause of a migraine is not known, but triggers often include stress3 and certain foods including alcohol; tyramine – an amino acid, found in red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans; nitrates which are found in certain processed meats and Monosodium Glutamate which is a flavour enhancer6. Caffeine, often thought to be a trigger in some people, can provide relief for others6.
Keeping a symptom diary that includes everything eaten, details of a woman’s menstrual cycle, daily activities and changes in environment can be a valuable tool for identifying and avoiding triggers where possible6.
The treatment of a migraine includes pharmacotherapy, either in the form of specific migraine medication, or more common painkillers3. There are also over the counter medications specifically for the treatment of migraines that can be used to relieve the symptoms and help stop the attack from getting worse7.
“At iNova, we are committed to increasing understanding and support for those affected by migraines. By coming together during National Migraine Awareness Month, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who struggle with this often debilitating condition,” says Robyn Denyer, Senior Brand Manager at iNova Pharmaceuticals.
Unfortunately, many migraine sufferers do not receive effective diagnosis and care. Appropriate treatment of these chronic headache disorders requires a professional diagnosis and the appropriate treatment with cost-effective medications, simple lifestyle modifications and patient education5.
References:
- National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month – Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (2024) at https://www.migraineheadacheawarenessmonth.org/ (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- American Migraine Foundation. The Facts about Migraine (2019) at https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-facts/ (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- Economist Impact. The challenge of migraine in South Africa (2022) at https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/sites/default/files/economist_impact_the_challenge_ofmigraine_in_south_africa.pdf (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- Association of Migraine Disorders. What is Migraine? (2024) at https://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-disorders (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- World Health Organization. Migraine and other headache disorders (2024) at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders# (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- Association of Migraine Disorders. Certain Stimuli May Provoke A Headache (2024) at https://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-disorders/migraine-triggers/ (website accessed on 13 May 2024).
- Migril Professional Information September 2020.