Migraines

A migraine is a particular type of headache that can vary in frequency and severity, and is often characterized by the following.

• Pain that is more severe on one side of your head
• Pain that disrupts normal activity
• Pain that is aggravated by routine physical activity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual sensitivity to light, sound or odour

Some people with migraine experience 'aura'. An aura may include seeing flashes of light or patterns of colours prior to the headache. As the migraine becomes full-blown, this symptom usually diminishes.

If you think you have migraine you should see your doctor. Based on your symptoms and medical history, you and your doctor can decide what's best for you.

TRIGGERS

Triggers are factors that can bring on a migraine. Common migraine triggers include:

• Diet & Lifestyle: Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, dairy products, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, dieting or skipping meals, changes in sleep routine, high levels of activity or stress.
• Hormonal Factors: Puberty, pregnancy, birth control pills, menstruation, hormone replacement therapy, pre-menopause
• Environmental Factors: Strong glaring or flickering lights; strong odours; weather changes; tobacco smoke

Keeping a diary of foods and events prior to an attack can help you and your doctor determine your migraine triggers. By avoiding these triggers, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your attacks. Be sure to take your diary with you when you visit your doctor.

TREATING MIGRAINE

To reduce the pain of an attack, simple measures like lying down in a dark, quiet room or placing a cold cloth or icepack on your forehead may help. Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be useful. If these are not enough, then prescription medications designed specifically for migraines can be used to treat pain or help reduce the frequency of attacks.

Migraine medication must be taken as prescribed to be effective. Also, any pain relief medication taken more than 8 to 10 days a month can cause medication-induced (rebound) headache, which may become chronic daily headache.