Migraine Awareness Week 2022 - Not 'Just a Headache'

Sep 06, 2022 Migraine

 

Migraines can be debilitating, to say the least. They also don’t discriminate and anyone may be affected, regardless of age, gender or anything else. What makes one person more likely to suffer from migraines is something that is still up for discussion and the exact cause is unproven.  

While this sounds all very negative there are things you can do to manage and treat migraines, starting with understanding more about them, gaining a diagnosis and the right treatment plan for you. Migraine Awareness Week 2022 is geared towards educating and supporting migraine sufferers as well as offering information for others, such as those in support roles and employers.

 

What is a Migraine

 

A migraine is referred to as a severe headache but can often include several other symptoms, all of which can be very unpleasant. Migraines can stop you in your tracks and affect your day-to-day routines. 

Migraines vary in length and intensity and are triggered by many factors (more on this below). To give you an idea of what a migraine may look like to some, symptoms include (but are not limited to)

 

• A severe headache,

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Fatigue

• Sensitivity to sound and lights

• Visual disturbance

• And more.

 

A migraine may last a few hours or may last a few days. It depends on the individual. Not all migraines start with the headache either, as other symptoms might come first. Usually, the migraine will end within or around a day after the headache pain has faded. Some people might experience migraines regularly while for others it may occur rarely.

 

Is it a Headache or is it a Migraine?

 

There’s no quick test to see if you are suffering from migraines. The first port of call would be your GP for a physical examination. They would then ask a series of questions to rule out other possibilities and to assess whether a migraine is likely. You might be asked to complete a migraine diary where you record the frequency and duration of suspected migraine headaches, what triggers, if any, are obvious and more. 

From there, your GP might refer you to a specialist and/or further tests to rule out other causes, such as eye issues.  

It is important to seek the advice of a doctor when experiencing severe headaches, visual disturbances or any of the other symptoms associated with migraines to ensure there aren’t other causes which need to be investigated and possibly treated. You can also find more information on migraine diagnosis via the NHS website.

 

Living with Migraines

 

Migraines hit people differently and what might be a trigger for one person, might not be the same for someone else. For this reason, amongst others, how you live with migraines depends on your circumstances.  

Knowing and understanding your triggers can go a long way towards helping to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks for some. Common triggers include (but are not limited to):

 

• Stress

• Sleep issues

• Sounds

• PC/Device use

• Noise

• Hormonal issues

• Environmental triggers

• Even some foods and drinks.

 

A migraine diary is an effective way to monitor triggers so that you can avoid them or lessen their impact in future while using, where appropriate, migraine relief medication.

 

Migraines and Work

 

Migraines really can stop you in your tracks which is not at all helpful when you are at work. Thankfully there is support available and many employers have a better understanding of what a migraine is and how it can impact their employees. Reasonable adjustments can often be made to relieve triggers, for example. Time off can be necessary during a severe attack. This migraine information from Remploy is a good starting point for employers wanting to know more about supporting their staff.

 

Migraine Treatments

 

A migraine treatment plan can be built up to include lifestyle changes as well as short and longer-term medical treatments. 

In the short term, many people find relief in a darkened room, in a quiet place or when using a migraine-specific aid such as the Kool’n’Soothe Migraine gel sheets. 

Alongside dealing with known triggers and looking out for new ones, medication specifically designed for migraines can form part of a migraine treatment plan. Migraleve Pink and Migraleve Complete are both popular remedies for migraine pain as well as other symptoms such as nausea. Please speak to your GP/pharmacist before using these medications as they are not suitable for some people and are not to be taken continuously.  

 

In Conclusion

 

It is clear that migraines are no joke and that they can have a serious impact on physical and mental health and well-being. If you are struggling please speak to your healthcare team who will be able to assess your current situation, suggest a treatment plan and also signpost you to further support. Our pharmacists at SimplyMedsOnline are happy to help too. 

The 2022 Migraine Awareness Week is from 5th-10th September. Follow The Migraine Trust’s activity on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation using hashtags #letsbeatmigraine and #migraineawarenessweek.