Migraine Dr Rob Hicks A migraine is a severe headache that usually affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by other distressing symptoms.

In this article

What is it? What are the symptoms?

What causes it? Can it be prevented?

What's the treatment? Advice and support

Migraine is a severe headache, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Up to ten per cent of men in the UK are thought to suffer with migraine. There are two types:

• Migraine with aura (classical) - the headache is preceded by a preliminary phase called an aura, when symptoms such as seeing flashing lights, temporary visual loss, speech problems or numbness of the face or arms may occur
• Migraine without aura (common) - no aura precedes the headache

Both types of migraine frequently start with changes in mood and feelings of general hunger or particular food cravings. Migraine attacks last from four to 72 hours and are usually felt on one side of the head. During this time sufferers usually need to lie down in a quiet and darkened room since the throbbing headache is often made worse by movement, noise and light.

The precise cause of migraine is unclear, but changes in the size of blood vessels and the levels of neurotransmitter substances (chemical messengers) in the brain are thought to be responsible.

In particular, a drop in the levels of the brain chemical serotonin is believed to be responsible for the dilatation (widening) of the blood vessels that causes the throbbing headache.

Many factors can trigger migraines, including tiredness, stress, dehydration, missed or delayed meals, and certain food and drinks, such as cheese, chocolate, coffee, tea and alcohol.

Migraine can't be cured but it can be kept under control. Keeping a diary helps to identify triggers that can then be avoided.

Some men find that taking medicines early in the attack reduces the severity and duration of the attack.

Not everyone with migraine needs to see a doctor, but if painkillers purchased from the pharmacist are not helping, attacks are coming more frequently or there's a change from usual migraine symptoms, you must consult a doctor.

Treatment can include painkillers, possibly combined with anti-sickness medication, or medication to restore the normal levels of serotonin. Some people find acupuncture, osteopathy, yoga or relaxation helps.

Migraine Action

Tel: 0870 050 5898
Email: info@migraine.org.uk
Website: www.migraine.org.uk

Migraine4Kids

Website: www.migraine4kids.org.uk

Migraine Trust

Tel: 020 7462 6601
Email: info@migrainetrust.org
Website: www.migrainetrust.org

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in May 2008