A MIGRAINE is not just a bad headache. Migraine attacks commonly involve a throbbing pain - most times on one side of the head, sometimes both and can have far-reaching consequences across all areas of life.
Sunway Medical Centre consultant neurologist, Dr Raymond Tan says it is an incapacitating neurological disorder which comes with wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to lights, noises, and scents and for some, aura or focal neurologic symptoms.
Episodes can last between 4 to 72 hours. Migraines can afflict men, women and children but of those who suffer chronic crippling migraine attacks, the vast majority are women.
Sunway Medical Centre consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Sharmina Kamal says women are more affected because of hormonal changes. Estrogen helps regulate the female reproductive system and controls chemicals in the brain that impact the sensation of pain.
Therefore, a drop in estrogen levels can contribute to the development of chronic headaches or migraines.
In childhood, migraines are more prevalent in males. However, once the influence of estrogen begins, the prevalence starts to rise in females, contributing to more common, longer-lasting headaches in women between the ages of 20 and 45.
Along with hormonal changes, Dr Sharmina highlights that there are other factors and events that could trigger a migraine, which include lack of sleep or too much sleep, skipped meals, weather changes, alcohol and caffeine. The good news is that migraine is a modifiable disorder and there is hope for seeking relief through very simple things.
"The best thing to do at the start of a migraine is to stop your activity and get some rest, preferably in a quiet and dimly lit room or area," says Dr Tan.
Taking a simple analgesic like paracetamol at the start of the migraine often helps to limit the severity. Application of topical menthol may also lessen the intensity of acute migraines, although this is best avoided in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medication is a proven way to both treat and prevent migraines. However, medication is only part of the story. Combining therapy or medication with behavioural measures and lifestyle changes that promote overall good health can often be the most effective way to handle migraine attacks.
For example, maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes nutritious foods, adequate hydration, frequent exercise, and proper sleep. You can also speak to your physician about daily vitamins or supplements, such as vitamin B or magnesium.
Migraines are a real source of pain, but most of the time, they are not signs that one has a serious medical problem. However, it is worth speaking to your doctor when you have new symptoms that are more severe than normal.
Know your migraine symptoms — what is normal for you and what is not, and when you need emergency help.
The following are some signs that you should get medical help right away:
* Uncontrollable vomiting
* Loss of consciousness
* Seizures or convulsions
* Blurred vision or other vision changes
* Loss of balance or coordination
While migraine attacks are not a threat to life and limb, complications can occur.
"Occasionally, the migraine persists for more than 72 hours and becomes debilitating and resistant to conventional treatment. And in cases associated with persistent vomiting, this could lead to potential dehydration and its associated problems, which could require hospitalisation with intravenous fluids and medications," says Dr Tan.
He adds that young women who experience migraines with aura, especially those who smoke or use oral contraceptives, have an increased incidence of stroke and, in some cases, can cause seizures. With that, it is advisable for women at risk to avoid smoking and choose other forms of contraception, if possible.
If you need care, don't delay. When it comes to treating migraines, timing is everything. Waiting too long to address your migraine symptoms or take preventive steps can increase how often and severely a migraine strikes.
Know and avoid your triggers, treat symptoms early, and find medications or therapies that work best to relieve your pain.
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