Migraines: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Migraine, what are the causes and how can I treat it?
• What is an Aura?
• Can the weather increase the chances of a migraine attack?
• Are over the counter medications always effective?
• Are there any alternative treatments on the market?
• Do children often suffer from headaches?
• What is a tension headache, and how can it be treated?
• Are headaches and migraines hereditary?
• What type of doctor should I see to diagnose and treat my headache?
• What is a cluster headache, what are the causes and how can it be treated?

Q. What is a Migraine, what are the causes and how can I treat it?

A migraine will ordinarily initiate itself as a dull ache, before eventually developing into a throbbing sensation, often felt at the temples. The pain may also be felt at the back of one or both sides of the head. The pain is often frequented by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise. In addition, around 15% of sufferers experience some form of an Aura before the initial attack.

The fundamental cause is argued to be a chemical reaction within the brain. Treatments will include over the counter medication, as well as a variety of home techniques such as relaxation training and biofeedback and Cefaly.

Q. What is an Aura?

Between 15 and 20% of migraine sufferers experience an Aura, essentially the formation of neurological symptoms occurring prior to a migraine episode. They may experience visual disruption like dots or jagged lines or even flashing lights. The Aura can also involve the disruption of other senses such as smell, taste and touch. Other signs may include numbness or pins and needles. Such affects may last up to sixty minutes, but will cease as the headache begins.

Q. Can the weather increase the chances of a migraine attack?

Bright sunlight, or humid weather conditions, in addition to extreme changes in barometric pressure, could possibly cause a migraine attack, although evidence shows that this is certainly not always the case with all sufferers.

Q. Are over the counter medications always effective?

Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications may work effectively with the relief of mild pain, and any symptoms associated with migraine. However it is strongly advised that you consult your doctor before beginning any course of treatment.

Q. Are there any alternative treatments on the market?

Alternative therapies are widely considered to be outside traditional treatment methods. Examples may include acupuncture, acupressure, and yoga. Other frequently used alternatives include herbal therapy.

Q. Do children often suffer from headaches?

By the time a child reaches school age, they would have experienced some form of headache. However once the cause is identified, there are a good number of safe and effective treatments.

Q. What is a tension headache, and how can it be treated?

A tension headache will occur at any time, and is most commonly the result of stress, anxiety, fatigue and so on. Sufferers will experience a sore sensation in their temples and a tightening around the head. In addition they may experience a contraction of the muscles around the neck and shoulders.

The headache initiates itself in the forehead, temples or the back of the head and neck. Treatment for this type of headache can incorporate over –the-counter medications, as well as home techniques.

Q. Are headaches and migraines hereditary?

Evidence shows that 29.5 million people in the United States alone suffer from migraines. Four out of every 5 (80 percent), claim to have a family background of migraine sufferers. Professionals are unsure if this is due to genetics. Despite a lack of solid evidence, a child has a 50% chance of having a migraine if one parent is a sufferer and 75% if both parents suffer from frequent attacks.

Q. What type of doctor should I see to diagnose and treat my headache?

When seeking professional help with your headache, you must begin with a primary care physician. You will be able to weigh up an array of options, whilst discussing your symptoms, in order to make an informed decision. You may be referred to a headache specialist, in accordance with your symptoms, or any other physical conditions, (e.g. diabetes, allergies etc).

The National Headache Foundation (NHF), will put forward a list of experts.

Q. What is a cluster headache, what are the causes and how can it be treated?

A cluster headache occurs in number of attacks, and therein lies the origin of the name. There is very little warning for the pain, usually on one side of the head. Symptoms may include a tearing or a bloodshot eye, and a runny nose.