June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a timely reminder that recurrent and severe headaches should never be ignored. Migraines are not ordinary headaches - they can be debilitating and can significantly impact on daily activities and quality of life. They’re also incredibly common, particularly among women. If you’ve ever found yourself seeking refuge in a dark room, unable to face light or sound, you may be all too familiar with them.
Here, Dr Isabelle Benard shares her guidance on how to identify the symptoms of migraines, what can trigger them, and when it’s best to seek medical support.
What actually is a migraine, and what does it feel like?
It’s easy to think of migraines as just “bad headaches”, but they’re actually a neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms. Many people experience what we call prodromal symptoms before the pain even begins – things like fatigue, yawning, or feeling unusually restless.
Some people even have neurological symptoms called “auras”. This can include:
- Visual disturbances like flashing lights or blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness around the face or tongue
- Difficulty speaking
- And, in more severe cases, weakness in a limb that can mimic a stroke
These symptoms are then followed by a strong headache, which often affects one side of the head (unilateral) and can last for several hours – sometimes even days. People often describe the pain as intense and throbbing – strong enough that they feel the need to lie down in a dark room, as light and noise can exacerbate the pain. Many people also suffer from nausea or vomiting during a migraine attack. This can make it very difficult to be functional, work and interact with other people, causing stress, worry and social withdrawal.
Why migraines affect women more
If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone! Around 12% of the population suffers from migraines, and women are known to be around three times more likely to experience them than men. Hormones play a big part – and many women often notice that their migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle. This is due to a fluctuation in oestrogen levels, which can trigger or worsen migraine attacks.
If you experience migraines with aura and are taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, it's crucial that you speak to your GP. This combination can slightly increase your risk of stroke, and in many cases, exploring a different type of contraception may be much safer.
Are there any common triggers?
What triggers a migraine attack can very much vary from person to person, but some of the most common triggers include:
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Skipping meals or dehydration
- Food such as red wine, chocolate, and cheese
- Bright or flickering lights
- Changes in routine (like travelling or working different hours)
Sticking to regular routines is important to avoid migraine attacks. Many people find they can prevent migraines by identifying and avoiding their triggers, and taking simple steps to modify their lifestyle. It’s important to have regular meals each day, make sure you get enough sleep, and avoid too much alcohol and caffeine – this can all play a part in helping to decrease the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
If you’re getting migraines regularly, we recommend keeping a simple diary. It doesn’t have to be incredibly detailed – just a note of when the migraine started, how long it lasted, and anything you ate or did in the lead-up. Often, we can see that certain clear patterns start to emerge.
Can migraines be treated?
Unfortunately, migraines do not generally respond to over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. Thankfully, there are many more effective medications that your GP can prescribe, so it’s definitely worth consulting with them.
If you’re getting migraines more than a few times a month, we may look at different types of medications that can prevent them altogether. There are plenty of different approaches depending on your health history, and there is actually a significant amount research into migraines going on at present. Plenty of new treatments have been developed in the last few years alone – some of which appear to be very promising. So, there is a lot of hope for migraine sufferers out there.
When to see your GP
If you think you might be experiencing migraines – or if your current treatment isn’t helping – it’s worth speaking to a doctor. You don’t need to just put up with it.
Migraines can have a real impact on day-to-day life, but with the right support and treatment plan, they can often be managed well.
If you’re struggling with migraine symptoms, our GPs are here to help.
We’ll work with you to understand what’s going on and support you with a plan that fits your life.