Migraines and headaches
Migraines
Migraines are intense headaches that often have a genetic and hormonal basis. They are a recognized medical condition that affects up to 20% of adults worldwide, primarily those between the ages of 35-45. Women are twice as likely to experience migraines as men.1 Migraines can occur with or without an aura (referred to as classic migraines), or with all symptoms except the head pain (called silent or acephalgic migraines).
Headaches
Headaches are a widespread condition, with about 50-75% of adults globally experiencing them annually. Headaches often begin with a feeling of tension or tightness around the head, which can evolve into a dull ache, throbbing, or stabbing pain. Many factors can cause headaches, including medication use, stress, caffeine changes, jaw problems, or disorders in the eyes, nose, throat, or ears.
Types of Migraines
There are various types of migraines, including:4
- Migraine with aura (classic migraine): In this type, “aura symptoms” occur before the headache itself. These symptoms may include blurry vision, light sensitivity, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or even diarrhea.
- Migraine aura without headache: This type involves experiencing aura symptoms but without the accompanying head pain. Despite the absence of headache, it can still be very difficult to treat, as some medications take longer to work than the duration of the aura itself.
- Chronic migraine: Diagnosed when a person experiences 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those being migraines.
- Intractable migraine: Migraines lasting more than 72 hours, often requiring hospitalization due to severe pain and nausea.
- Menstrual or hormonal migraine: Hormonal changes linked to puberty, menstruation, or menopause can trigger migraines.
Symptoms of Migraines
Migraine symptoms include:
- Throbbing or painful headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Blurred vision or flashing lights
- Numbness and tingling sensations
Treatment for Migraines
Medications can be effective but are just one aspect of treatment. A holistic approach that combines lifestyle changes and other therapies can be beneficial. Since everyone’s experience with migraines is different, it’s important to consult with a pharmacist who can help identify the best treatment for you. Pharmacists may discuss various aspects such as:1
Keeping a record
Keep a detailed log of symptoms, possible triggers and all treatments tried (noting which helped and which didn’t). This journal will guide your future strategy.
Rest
Sleeping through an attack can offer significant relief. In the meantime, adopt consistent sleep routines to prevent fatigue from worsening migraine risk.
Hydration
Migraines and dehydration go hand in hand. Besides plain water, consider electrolyte‐rich drinks, powders, tablets or even ice lollies to restore electrolyte and fluid balance.
Analgesics
Follow package directions when using over‐the‐counter painkillers or anti‐inflammatory medications to ease discomfort.
Early intervention
Drugs like triptans deliver the best results when taken at the very first sign of a migraine, not later when the pain has peaked.
Medication mixing
Some medicines can be safely combined, while others should never be. Ask your pharmacist which combinations are appropriate for you.
Diet
Cravings at migraine onset rarely trigger the attack. Instead, use your food diary to trace back potential culprits. An elimination diet may help pinpoint triggers but isn’t a healthy long-term plan.
Physical activity
For some people, exercise can provoke migraines; for others, it serves as prevention. Your symptom diary can reveal which applies to you.
Stress management
Techniques such as deep breathing, gentle movement, meditation and social connection can lower everyday stress and help reduce migraine frequency.
Sensory reduction
Lie down in a dark, quiet room. Use blackout curtains, an eye mask, earplugs or headphones to block out light and sound.
Temperature therapies
Experiment with hot showers, heat packs, ice packs, sucking on an ice cube, or immersing your feet in warm or cold water, everyone’s preference differs.
Signs and symptoms
Mild lapses, such as misplacing everyday items or occasionally forgetting names, are often part of normal aging or occur during periods of stress. But when memory issues begin to disrupt daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice. Watch for these warning signs:
- Forgetting the purpose of common objects
- Struggling to complete simple chores (e.g. washing dishes, dressing)
- Getting lost or disoriented in familiar settings
- Difficulty finding or using words correctly in conversation
- Repeating stories or phrases within the same discussion
- Asking the same question multiple times
- Losing track of dates, times, or the passage of time
- Exhibiting poor judgment, such as neglecting personal hygiene
- Experiencing marked changes in mood or personality
Types of Headaches
Primary Headaches
These headaches are a condition in themselves, including tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines.
Secondary Headaches
These headaches are symptoms of other underlying issues such as infections, dehydration, or injuries. Treatment typically addresses the root cause of the headache.
Symptoms of Various Headaches
- Tension headache: The most common type, causing mild to moderate pain, usually without additional symptoms.
- Cluster headache: Intense pain around or behind one eye, typically on one side of the head. This pain can be throbbing or constant and is often accompanied by agitation and restlessness.
- Sinus headache: Deep pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or nose due to sinus inflammation.
- Medication overuse headache: Caused by using pain medications more than three times a week. To prevent this, follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance on medication type, dosage, and frequency.
If a headache is unusually severe, gets progressively worse, or causes you concern, it’s important to consult with your doctor.
Treatment for Headaches
Treatment depends on the cause of the headache. Addressing symptoms early, especially when they’re familiar, tends to be more effective than allowing the pain to worsen. Here are some options:
- Over-the-counter pain relief for occasional headaches
- Prescription medications for more frequent headaches
- Resting in a quiet, dark room
- Getting enough sleep
- Applying a cold or warm compress to the forehead or neck
- Going for a walk outdoors
- Avoiding headache triggers (such as caffeine, stress, poor sleep, or ergonomic issues)
- Treating underlying conditions like neck problems, sinus infections, or stress
Using pain medication more than three times a week can lead to medication overuse headaches. To prevent this, follow the recommendations for medication use provided by your healthcare provider. It’s also helpful to maintain a headache diary to track triggers and work on avoidance strategies. You can download a free headache diary [HERE].