MIGRAINE - About Migraine

A migraine is usually a severe headache felt as a throbbing pain at the front or on one side of the head.

Some people also have other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting about 15% of adults in the UK.

There are several types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with aura is when there is a warning sign, known as aura, before the migraine begins. About a third of people with migraine have this. Warning signs may include visual problems (such as flashing lights) and stiffness in the neck, shoulders or limbs.
• Migraine without aura
• Migraine without headache, also known as silent migraine, is when an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop.

Stages of migraine

There are five distinct stages to a migraine, although not everyone goes through all the stages:

1. 'Prodromal' (pre-headache) stage. Some people experience changes in mood, energy levels, behaviour and appetite, and sometimes aches and pains several hours or days before an attack.

2. Aura. Some people experience a sensation, or aura, just before their migraine starts. Symptoms of aura include flashes of light or blind spots, difficulty focusing, and seeing things as if you are looking through a broken mirror. This stage normally lasts around 15 minutes to an hour.

3. Headache stage. This is usually a pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of the head. You usually have nausea or vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds, with a strong desire to lie down in a darkened room. This stage lasts for four to 72 hours.

4. Resolution stage. Most attacks gradually fade away. Some people find the headache stops suddenly after they have been sick. Sleep often relieves the symptoms.

5. 'Postdromal' or recovery phase. There may be a stage of exhaustion and weakness afterwards.

Who is affected by migraines?

Migraines affect one in four women and one in 12 men in the UK.

Hormones may be the reason why migraines affect more women than men. For example, some women find that migraine attacks are more frequent around the time of their period. However, this association has not been proven.

Migraines usually begin in young adults. About 9 in 10 have their first migraine before they are 40 years old. However, it is possible for migraines 

to begin later in life.

How often do they occur?

Everyone will experience migraines differently. Some people have attacks frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

Some people find that migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include stress and certain foods. 

Outlook

Migraines can severely affect your quality of life. During and after a migraine, some people need to stay in bed for days at a time.

However, there are effective treatments, and methods that can help to prevent migraines. Most people find ways of managing their migraines so that there is little disruption to their lives.