General Health Chances are you’ve experienced a killer headache or two here and there. Maybe after a big night, or when you’ve spent too many hours in front of the computer screen? But what if the headaches are recurrent and so severe that they’re interfering with your quality of life? If this is the case, it’s likely you’re suffering from migraine. What is a Migraine? Migraines are a type of severe headache that can have a major impact on quality of life. They are often accompanied by feeling sick, vomiting or increased sensitivity to light. Migraines are one of the most common types of headache in adults and of the two million Australians who suffer their debilitating effects, women are three times more susceptible than men. Migraines can occur at any age but they are most common before the age of 40 and they seem to run in families. A classic migraine can follow a set of warning symptoms called aura. These symptoms usually come on before the headache and can last from seconds to an hour. Around one in three people will experience aura symptoms, however migraine can occur without aura as well. Less frequent types of migraine include abdominal, hormonal, hemiplegic and vestibular migraines. Aura Symptoms Common aura symptoms include: • Visual disturbances – such as flashing or flickering lights, zigzag lines, blurred vision, temporary blindness • Numbness or a tingling sensation – common in the hands, arm or face, similar to ‘pins and needles’ • Slurred speech • Poor concentration • Problems with co-ordination Symptoms of Migraine While migraines can occur at any time, signs such as irritability, lack of concentration, food cravings and tiredness can indicate an attack is about to start. The general symptoms of migraines include: • A headache that lasts anything from four up to 72 hours • Pulsating or throbbing pain, often just on one side of your head • A headache that gets worse when you’re active or stops you from being active • Feeling sick or vomiting • Increased sensitivity to light and noise While most people don’t need to see their GP when they get a migraine, it is a good idea if their aura symptoms last more than an hour, their migraines become more frequent or get worse over time, or if they’re over 50 and have not previously had a migraine. People who get migraines generally don’t get any symptoms between attacks. Complications of Migraine Occasionally, a migraine may last for more than 72 hours and doesn’t go away by itself. This type of migraine is known as status migrainosus. It’s important to see your GP if your migraine lasts longer than 72 hours. If you get frequent migraines on more than 15 days a month for an average of three months out of the year, this is known as a chronic migraine. When describing an illness, the term chronic refers to how long a person has it, not to how serious it is. About one percent of people have chronic migraine and may require increasing amounts of medication to help control the attacks. Over time, this may lead to further headaches, known as medication-overuse headaches. If you get frequent migraines, you may be at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, panic disorders and stroke. Causes of Migraine It’s not fully understood what causes migraines, but they may be caused by a chemical called serotonin. Low levels of serotonin cause changes to the blood vessels in your brain. It’s not known exactly what causes the serotonin levels to change. It is very useful to keep a diary to track what might be triggering your migraines or making them worse. Common triggers include: • Stress • Changes in sleep patterns • Poor posture or tension in your neck and shoulders • Certain food or drink – commonly chocolate, cheese, alcohol or caffeine • Loud noises • Bright or flickering lights • Certain smells • Strenuous exercise if you’re not used to it • Skipping meals • Dehydration Women may get migraines around the time of their periods, during pregnancy and menopause, or as a result of taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It’s possible that these hormonal changes may affect the frequency and severity of migraines. Other less common triggers may include high blood pressure, smoking, toothache, eye strain or taking certain sleeping tablets. Diagnosis of Migraine There isn’t a specific test that can diagnose migraines. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and look for a pattern with possible triggers. This is where your diary can be useful. They will also examine you and may ask about your medical history. pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 19
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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