Headache (migraine)
DEFINITION
A Migraine is a severe form of headache that lasts from 4 to
72 hours.
72 hours.
DESCRIPTION
Migraine attacks are usually unilateral (on one side only),
involve moderate or severe pain and are pulsating. Other symptoms
may include nausea, vomiting and avoidance of light (photophobia).
Between 10 and 20% of Migraine sufferers experience what is called
an ‘aura’. This is a sensation that warns them of a Migraine
attack. An aura may be a visual sensation e.g. blurred vision,
flashing lights, spots in front of the eyes, difficulty speaking or
numbness or tingling sensations. Auras occur about one hour or less
before the Migraine starts. Migraines can occur at any age but
usually start between the ages of 10 and 40 and occur more often in
women than in men.
involve moderate or severe pain and are pulsating. Other symptoms
may include nausea, vomiting and avoidance of light (photophobia).
Between 10 and 20% of Migraine sufferers experience what is called
an ‘aura’. This is a sensation that warns them of a Migraine
attack. An aura may be a visual sensation e.g. blurred vision,
flashing lights, spots in front of the eyes, difficulty speaking or
numbness or tingling sensations. Auras occur about one hour or less
before the Migraine starts. Migraines can occur at any age but
usually start between the ages of 10 and 40 and occur more often in
women than in men.
The cause of Migraines is not known, but changes in the electrical
activity of the brain are thought to initiate a cascade of events
that cause blood flow changes and inflammation in the brain.
activity of the brain are thought to initiate a cascade of events
that cause blood flow changes and inflammation in the brain.
Possible triggers for Migraine include:
- Hormonal changes: hormone replacement therapy, menstruation,
oral contraceptive therapy, pregnancy. - Environmental factors: bright/flashing lights, emotion (e.g.
anger), missed meals ( hypoglycaemia ), smoke, strong odour (e.g.
perfume), too much/too little sleep, weather changes. - Foods: alcohol, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, chocolate,
cultured dairy products, fermented/pickled foods, fruits,
monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, sugar, sulphites, vegetables,
yeast. - Other: eye strain, head injury, irregular/no exercise.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner. The medical treatment for Migraine varies according
to how often the patient has attacks. People who suffer from
frequent Migraines may benefit from preventative medications e.g.
beta-blockers, antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner. The medical treatment for Migraine varies according
to how often the patient has attacks. People who suffer from
frequent Migraines may benefit from preventative medications e.g.
beta-blockers, antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
Acute treatments for Migraines are used to control the symptoms of
a Migraine during or shortly before an attack. These medications
are most effective if they are used as early as possible in an
attack. Analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are
used to control pain during a Migraine attack. Nausea and vomiting
might need to be treated with other drugs, which usually require a
Doctor’s prescription. Ask your Doctor to recommend a suitable
medication for your nausea. Patients who find their Migraine does
not respond to standard analgesics may require drugs such as
sumatriptan, which help to control nerve sensitivity and blood flow
in the head and brain during a Migraine or an antihistamine such as
polaramine.
a Migraine during or shortly before an attack. These medications
are most effective if they are used as early as possible in an
attack. Analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are
used to control pain during a Migraine attack. Nausea and vomiting
might need to be treated with other drugs, which usually require a
Doctor’s prescription. Ask your Doctor to recommend a suitable
medication for your nausea. Patients who find their Migraine does
not respond to standard analgesics may require drugs such as
sumatriptan, which help to control nerve sensitivity and blood flow
in the head and brain during a Migraine or an antihistamine such as
polaramine.
In chronic migraine sufferers, melatonin may help to decrease
headache frequency and intensity. A recent study found that
patients taking melatonin had less frequent and less severe
migraine attacks by the end of the first month of treatment.
Another benefit was a decreased use of pain relieving medication by
the patients taking melatonin. More clinical, controlled research
needs to be conducted in this area to confirm the results of this
initial study.
headache frequency and intensity. A recent study found that
patients taking melatonin had less frequent and less severe
migraine attacks by the end of the first month of treatment.
Another benefit was a decreased use of pain relieving medication by
the patients taking melatonin. More clinical, controlled research
needs to be conducted in this area to confirm the results of this
initial study.
Try to keep blood pressure down by remaining calm and relaxed. Use
a cold compress on the forehead and lie down in a darkened room.
Compresses are available from your Pharmacy. Migraines usually
improve with age as certain pain receptors in the brain start to
decrease. During pregnancy attacks seem to lessen.
a cold compress on the forehead and lie down in a darkened room.
Compresses are available from your Pharmacy. Migraines usually
improve with age as certain pain receptors in the brain start to
decrease. During pregnancy attacks seem to lessen.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
DIET HINTS
- Certain foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol, and
monosodium glutamate (MSG) are thought to trigger Migraine in
certain people prone to developing Migraine. - Missing a meal may trigger a Migraine.
- People who experience Migraines should avoid skipping meals and
should eat a healthy, balanced diet that avoids any known food
triggers.
See the Migraine Diet on the Healthpoint.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- A significant percentage of people with recurring Migraines
have been found to be deficient in Vitamin D and may benefit from
taking a nutritional supplement - B Group Vitamins, especially Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), may be
beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety. B group vitamins may be
helpful in cases where stress is a trigger for Migraines. - Feverfew has been used in the prevention of
Migraines. - Ginger may help to combat nausea.
- Coenzyme Q10 is a nutritional supplement that may help to
reduce the frequency of Migraines. Research indicates that this
nutrient should be taken for at least three months at 150 mg per
day before the frequency of Migraines are reduced.
AROMATHERAPY
The listed essential oils are suggested for the temporary
relief of Migraine Headache. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
relief of Migraine Headache. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
BASIL, BLUE CHAMOMILE, CHAMOMILE, MELISSA
Application
MASSAGE: Blend any single listed essential oil or combination
of several essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz)
vegetable carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Massage
into back of neck, temples, shoulders or apply as full body
massage.
of several essential oils – 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz)
vegetable carrier oil ie: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel. Massage
into back of neck, temples, shoulders or apply as full body
massage.
BATH: Add 5 drops (total) of any single listed essential oil
or combination of several essential oils to warm bath, just before
turning off the taps. Agitate water.
or combination of several essential oils to warm bath, just before
turning off the taps. Agitate water.
VAPORISATION: Add 5 drops (total) single essential oil or
combination of several essential oils listed to water in oil
burner. Please note, essential oils that are pre-diluted in Jojoba
oil are not suitable for vaporising.
combination of several essential oils listed to water in oil
burner. Please note, essential oils that are pre-diluted in Jojoba
oil are not suitable for vaporising.
The above recommendations are for an adult. For children 2 – 12
years and during pregnancy use 1/2 dose i.e. – 3 drops to 10ml(1/3
fl oz).
years and during pregnancy use 1/2 dose i.e. – 3 drops to 10ml(1/3
fl oz).
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Migraine sufferers must be examined by a Doctor. The headache
may be masking a more serious ailment. Ask your Pharmacist for
advice.
may be masking a more serious ailment. Ask your Pharmacist for
advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints and see the Migraine Diet topic for more
information about amines and how they may trigger migraine symptoms
in some people - A Cold Pack, which is available from your Pharmacy, can help to
relieve head pain. Sometimes using a hot compress may help relieve
a Migraine. - Your Pharmacy has a range of pain relieving medications. Ask
the Pharmacist for advice on which is the best suited to you.
Remember that codeine, which is included in some of these products,
may cause constipation. Both aspirin and paracetamol, if taken as
early as possible are effective in relieving the symptoms. Aspirin
should be avoided in children under the age of 12 and those aged 12
to 15 who have a fever. - An anti-inflammatory tablet or suppository containing naproxen
might be suggested to relieve an attack. This medication is
especially useful in cases of menstrual Migraine. - Avoid alcohol. Tea and coffee and cola drinks are also not
recommended because of the caffeine content and the possibility of
a rebound headache. Consider a non-caffeine herbal substitute.
Excessive use of analgesics may also cause problems. - Increase fluid in the diet; 6 to 8 glasses of water per day are
recommended. If you prefer filtered water, use a Water Filter Jug,
which filters water with a replaceable charcoal cartridge. Ask your
Pharmacist to recommend a water filter that suits your needs. - Avoid harsh light and wear sunglasses in the open
sunshine.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.