What Is a
Migraine?
WHAT IS A
MIGRAINE?
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Among OTC medicines for migraines.
IQVIA, Inc., 2018
WHAT MAKES A MIGRAINE DIFFERENT?
Migraines are so much more than “just a headache.” There are various types and symptoms, and they can also differ in terms of length and frequency. Migraine attacks can last anywhere between 4 and 72 hours, and can greatly impact your social, family and work life.1 By learning the difference between a headache and migraine, you can recognize the early warning signs and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Common migraine symptoms can include:1,2
NAUSEA
PAIN ON ONE SIDE
OF THE HEAD
SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT
OR SOUND
CAUSES & TRIGGERS
OF MIGRAINES
Knowing what might trigger your migraines can help you avoid them in the future. Whether it’s stress, certain foods, dehydration or insufficient sleep, these factors may increase your risk of developing a migraine.
Surprising Migraine Triggers
Wine and cheese may be migraine triggers for some.
Can Weather Changes Cause a Migraine?
Many migraine sufferers report weather…
Is it a Retinal Migraine?
Retinal migraines — also known as "ocular"
HOW TO COPE
WITH MIGRAINES
Migraines can be debilitating, but there are many strategies that can help. From keeping a migraine diary, to staying hydrated and always carrying your preferred medicine, you can better manage the symptoms of a migraine and continue living a normal life with our tips.
6 Tips for Parenting With a Migraine
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The Ultimate Migraine Survival Kit
Migraines can strike at any time. And as
Dining Out? Avoid These Triggers
A smart order at your favorite restaurant
Head Care products are not intended to treat migraines.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
TREATING
MIGRAINES
How and when you treat your migraines can make all the difference to your recovery. Our experts reveal why it’s important not to wait out symptoms, as well as remedies for you to try at home and when to seek treatment.
The Benefits of Early Treatment
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How a Doc Diagnoses a Migraine
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
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Migraine diagnosis and treatment
Although there is currently no cure for migraines, a number of treatment options are available to help you cope with the condition.
Once you’re diagnosed with migraines, your doctor will help you determine which treatments are right for you. This will depend on the type, frequency and severity of your headaches, as well as your individual medical history and any pre-existing conditions.(1)
Every person is different and what works for one migraine sufferer may not be effective for another – so there may be a bit of trial and error before you find the best medicine or treatment to control your migraines.
What are the migraine types?
Migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine headache, but there are other types of migraines which you may need to be aware of.
Migraine with aura vs Migraine with aura
The most common types of migraines are categorized as migraine with or without aura.1 However, 70% to 90% of people with migraine experience a migraine without aura. Migraine without aura is typically characterized by pain, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. (2)
People who experience ‘migraine with aura’ will have many of these same symptoms but also experience visual, sensory, or speech and language disturbances before the onset of head pain. (3)
Episodic vs Chronic migraine
Migraines can also be classified as episodic or chronic. Episodic migraines are defined as those associated with less than 15 headache days per month. If you have more than 15 headaches per month (and at least eight of those days feature headaches with migraine symptoms) for more than three months, you may be suffering with a chronic migraine. (4)
This means that people who experience chronic migraine have a migraine or headache more often than not. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing chronic migraines. Your doctor can recommend a plan to avoid worsening chronic headache by overusing medications – and can also talk to you about the preventative medications, if appropriate. (5)
Retinal migraine
A retinal migraine is a rare condition characterized by visual disturbances that occur in one eye, and are typically associated with temporary vision loss or blindness. (6)
The headache phase usually occurs during or within 60 minutes of the visual symptoms. It is important to distinguish retinal migraines from ‘migraine with aura’, as treatment and medical counselling for these two conditions are different. (6)
Sources
- More than just a headache. The Migraine Trust.
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/migraine-what-is-it/more-than-just-a-headache/
Accessed 05/12/19. - Migraine without aura. The Migraine Trust.
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/migraine-without-aura/
Accessed 07/01/20. - Migraine with aura. The MigraineTrust.
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/migraine-with-aura/
Accessed 07/01/20. - Chronic Migraine. The Migraine Trust.
https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/chronic-migraine/
Accessed 05/12/19. - Chronic Migraine: Management and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9638-chronic-migraine/management-and-treatment
Accessed 07/01/20. - Retinal Migraine. American Migrain Foundation.
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/retinal-migraine/
Accessed 07/01/20.
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