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Experiences with

Migraine

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.

Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.

There are several types of migraine, including:

  • migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
  • migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs
  • migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop

Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally.

It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

When to get medical advice

You should see a GP if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms.

Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be effective for migraine.

Try not to use the maximum dosage of painkillers on a regular or frequent basis as this could make it harder to treat headaches over time.

You should also make an appointment to see a GP if you have frequent migraines (on more than 5 days a month), even if they can be controlled with medicines, as you may benefit from preventative treatment.

You should call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone you're with experiences:

  • paralysis or weakness in 1 or both arms or 1 side of the face
  • slurred or garbled speech
  • a sudden agonising headache resulting in a severe pain unlike anything experienced before
  • headache along with a high temperature (fever), stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision and a rash

These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke or meningitis, and should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of migraines

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain.

Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.

Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include:

  • starting their period
  • stress
  • tiredness
  • certain foods or drinks

Treating migraines

There's no cure for migraines, but a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.

These include:

  • painkillers – including over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen
  • triptans – medicines that can help reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines
  • anti-emetics – medicines often used to help relieve people's feeling of sickness (nausea) or being sick

During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help.

Preventing migraines

If you suspect a specific trigger is causing your migraines, such as stress or a certain type of food, avoiding this trigger may help reduce your risk of experiencing migraines.

It may also help to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, sleep and meals, as well as ensuring you stay well hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

If your migraines are severe or you have tried avoiding possible triggers and are still experiencing symptoms, a GP may prescribe medicines to help prevent further attacks.

Medicines used to prevent migraines include the anti-seizure medicine topiramate and a medicine called propranolol that's usually used to treat high blood pressure. 

It may take several weeks before your migraine symptoms begin to improve.

Outlook

Migraines can severely affect your quality of life and stop you carrying out your normal daily activities.

Some people find they need to stay in bed for days at a time.

But a number of effective treatments are available to reduce the symptoms and prevent further attacks.

Migraine attacks can sometimes get worse over time, but they tend to gradually improve over many years for most people.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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5,438 public posts

Migraine... ?

Those of you who have GCA, are the visual disturbances at all like those of Migraine?
Those of you who have GCA, are the visual disturbances at all like those of Migraine?
Roltuba
in PMRGCAuk

Migraines & Hydrocodone for RLS

Now migraine has progressed to #7-8 24/7 Has opiates ever affected your migraine.? I have to go off Hydrocodone ER and the nightmare of severe RLS & sleep deprivation I know I can not handle.
Now migraine has progressed to #7-8 24/7 Has opiates ever affected your migraine.? I have to go off Hydrocodone ER and the nightmare of severe RLS & sleep deprivation I know I can not handle.
147833
in National Migraine Centre

Anyone suffering Migraine Aura or hemiplegic migraine since taking NOAC. I get zig zag flashing lights sometimes Tia like episodes.

Edoxaban,apixiban & migraine or Tia symptoms.
Edoxaban,apixiban & migraine or Tia symptoms.
kkatz
in AF Association
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Migraine and covid19 vaccine side effects

Unlike migraine, symptoms respond to ordinary pain killers. I would be interested to know if other migraine sufferers have had the same experience as me.
Unlike migraine, symptoms respond to ordinary pain killers. I would be interested to know if other migraine sufferers have had the same experience as me.
Katya3
in National Migraine Centre

Excederin Recall - various products

Specific Products and Dates The recall affects specific products: Excedrin Migraine Caplets (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin Migraine Geltabs (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin
Specific Products and Dates The recall affects specific products: Excedrin Migraine Caplets (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin Migraine Geltabs (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets (50, 80, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 300-count) Excedrin
bxrmom
in My MSAA Community

Migraine aura anxiety

I don't have any other symptoms, so I'm hoping it's not some kind of stroke or brain tumor...it seems like classic migraine to me but I'm worried because I've had 3 or 4 in the last week.
I don't have any other symptoms, so I'm hoping it's not some kind of stroke or brain tumor...it seems like classic migraine to me but I'm worried because I've had 3 or 4 in the last week.
grudgekyoko
in Anxiety Support

Migraine Awareness Week- Sleep and Migraine

It's Migraine Awareness Week and the National Migraine Centre has focused on 'Self-care and Migraine'. Today we are looking at sleep. How much sleep should you be having? Do alcohol and caffeine really affect your sleep? What is restless legs syndrome and is there a link with migraine?
It's Migraine Awareness Week and the National Migraine Centre has focused on 'Self-care and Migraine'. Today we are looking at sleep. How much sleep should you be having? Do alcohol and caffeine really affect your sleep? What is restless legs syndrome and is there a link with migraine?
Charlotte_NMCNational Migraine Centre
in National Migraine Centre

Migraine and Anxiety.

Hi, Does anyone experience massive anxiety with migraine attacks. I lost the sight in right eye in accident 40yrs ago. Have excellent sight but migraine with aura in good eye 22 years. Increased incidence recently after lot of stress. Driving me up the wall. What to do. Any ideas.
Hi, Does anyone experience massive anxiety with migraine attacks. I lost the sight in right eye in accident 40yrs ago. Have excellent sight but migraine with aura in good eye 22 years. Increased incidence recently after lot of stress. Driving me up the wall. What to do. Any ideas.
RonnieDrew
in National Migraine Centre

Aura

I haven’t had an aura migraine for a long time now but I did yesterday. I’m wondering should I report it to the Dr or see how it goes?
I haven’t had an aura migraine for a long time now but I did yesterday. I’m wondering should I report it to the Dr or see how it goes?
Mavary
in National Migraine Centre

neck pain

I have been to GPs over the years and told it is muscle tension or migraine its definitely not migraine as its in the family I had it from being a child I know migraine well. Just seems I am meant to live with this pain without knowing what it is.
I have been to GPs over the years and told it is muscle tension or migraine its definitely not migraine as its in the family I had it from being a child I know migraine well. Just seems I am meant to live with this pain without knowing what it is.
Deni52
in Pain Concern

Sertraline and Migraine

Hi I am a 52 yr old female living in the UK, I was first diagnosed with Migraine at the age of 7, so I have been living with it a long time, but I also have been suffering from Depression since my early 20s, again a long time, I would like to know if anyone else takes Sertraline 100mg and how it affects
Hi I am a 52 yr old female living in the UK, I was first diagnosed with Migraine at the age of 7, so I have been living with it a long time, but I also have been suffering from Depression since my early 20s, again a long time, I would like to know if anyone else takes Sertraline 100mg and how it affects
Jo1992
in National Migraine Centre

Migraine with aura

Hi everyone, I just was curious if anyone with ET has experienced migraines with auras? I have not been diagnosed but have an appointment with a hematologist in a few weeks due to having slightly elevated platelets the highest result being 460. I am 28 but have suffered headaches and migraines since
Hi everyone, I just was curious if anyone with ET has experienced migraines with auras? I have not been diagnosed but have an appointment with a hematologist in a few weeks due to having slightly elevated platelets the highest result being 460. I am 28 but have suffered headaches and migraines since
kase28
in MPN Voice

Symptoms of GCA / migraine

I would like to have advice, if anyone knows, on how to tell the difference between GCA vision symptoms on which I should take action, and my migraine symptoms on which I shouldn't! Many thanks, Ann
I would like to have advice, if anyone knows, on how to tell the difference between GCA vision symptoms on which I should take action, and my migraine symptoms on which I shouldn't! Many thanks, Ann
Ann1A
in PMRGCAuk

Migraine 3rd MRI-waiting for results (the long game)

I had a recent Hemiplegic Migraine attack which was very bad. Mobility was awful that I am still recovering with a walking stick to this day. I still get nerve pain and weakness on my left side. However looking back at it now, was it just a Migraine?
I had a recent Hemiplegic Migraine attack which was very bad. Mobility was awful that I am still recovering with a walking stick to this day. I still get nerve pain and weakness on my left side. However looking back at it now, was it just a Migraine?
Decode
in National Migraine Centre

Nerve block treatment

has anyone had nerve block treatment for chronic migraine? I have now had a chronic migraine for 18 months (everyday) the pressure is intense. My neurologist has tried different medications but no luck to completely get rid!
has anyone had nerve block treatment for chronic migraine? I have now had a chronic migraine for 18 months (everyday) the pressure is intense. My neurologist has tried different medications but no luck to completely get rid!
Dazakella2010
in National Migraine Centre

Ocular Migraine

Also - what other visual symptoms did you experience during the ocular migraine? Thanks to all.
Also - what other visual symptoms did you experience during the ocular migraine? Thanks to all.
hunter5582
in MPN Voice

Dread: pip assessment this week

I woke with a migraine at 0230 this morning and a feeling of such anxiety I just bawled my eyes out.... it hasn't helped the damn migraine and have not managed to go back to sleep. Exhausted. I'm now questioning is it even worth it at all? Has anyone had a telephone assessment?
I woke with a migraine at 0230 this morning and a feeling of such anxiety I just bawled my eyes out.... it hasn't helped the damn migraine and have not managed to go back to sleep. Exhausted. I'm now questioning is it even worth it at all? Has anyone had a telephone assessment?
deelittle
in Mental Health Support

Recovery after migraine/cluster headache

I'm 49 and been having migraines and cluster headaches for over 25 years. Lately, I feel a bit 'damaged' after each attack. I feel really battered, especially after the most recent one. It's as if I'm getting weaker. Hard to describe. I used to bounce back really quickly but nowadays I feel almost
I'm 49 and been having migraines and cluster headaches for over 25 years. Lately, I feel a bit 'damaged' after each attack. I feel really battered, especially after the most recent one. It's as if I'm getting weaker. Hard to describe. I used to bounce back really quickly but nowadays I feel almost
Brychni
in National Migraine Centre

suddenly having constant migraine

Ive been exceptionally stressed recently with family, work and covid i guess too. But been ok just getting along. But then on Sat i had to leave work early as i had an aura where i couldnt see properly and then felt real nauseous and woozy. But not really a headache. Thats what normally happens when
Ive been exceptionally stressed recently with family, work and covid i guess too. But been ok just getting along. But then on Sat i had to leave work early as i had an aura where i couldnt see properly and then felt real nauseous and woozy. But not really a headache. Thats what normally happens when
Marleyboo
in Headway

Vestibular migraine medication

Hi, I was diagnosed with vestibular migraine just before lock down in early March, have been on Propranolol ever since, today I have had a review and been put on amitriptyline also, small dose of 10 mg a day, has anyone else tried this combination of medication?
Hi, I was diagnosed with vestibular migraine just before lock down in early March, have been on Propranolol ever since, today I have had a review and been put on amitriptyline also, small dose of 10 mg a day, has anyone else tried this combination of medication?
Pepper2020
in National Migraine Centre
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