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... see also Headaches

Migraine

What is migraine?

Migraine or the 'sick headache' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'pain involving half of the head'. It is a common problem that affects about 1 person in 10.

What are the symptoms?

Migraine can take several different forms, but the headache is usually preceded by altered vision followed by nausea and vomiting. Children may have recurrent abdominal pain rather than a headache, and can suffer an attack even as early as 6 months of age. The length of each attack is variable, but an attack usually lasts for several hours.

What is the cause?

Migraine is caused by dilation or swelling of blood vessels inside and outside the scalp in people who have very sensitive blood vessels. This results in more blood pumping through the vessels, causing a throbbing sensation like blood to an infected sore on a finger. Hence it is also called vascular headache.

Trigger factors

• tension and stress
• unpleasant smells
• certain foods, such as cheese or chocolates and wines, especially red wine
• hormonal changes: just before menses or when taking the pill
• bright lights and flickering lights (e.g. television)
• changes in the weather
• excessive noise

What is the treatment?

There is no cure, but your problem can be considerably improved. Try to think deeply after each attack about what may have caused it-what you were doing, feeling, eating or drinking beforehand.

Prevention

• Avoid tension, fatigue, constant physical and mental stress.
• Avoid red wine; otherwise, restrict only those items in your diet that you suspect trigger the problem.
• Relaxation techniques, including meditation, may help prevent the attack.
• Medication may be necessary to prevent attacks and will be prescribed by your doctor.

Actual attack

You may be able to fend off the attack or modify it by taking 2 soluble aspirin tablets and an antiemetic (has to be prescribed), lying in a quiet, darkened room and trying to relax, maybe meditating or listening to your favourite soft, relaxing music.

Take any other antimigraine medication (as prescribed) as soon as you suspect an attack is going to occur.

Copyright 1995: John Murtagh, Professor of General Practice
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia