Migraine and headache
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes attacks of intense, often pulsating headaches, usually on one side of the head. Migraine affects about 15 percent of the population and is three times more common in women than men. Attacks can last from a few hours to several days and are often accompanied by nausea, light and sound sensitivity.
Migraine differs from common tension headaches in its intensity and accompanying symptoms. Some also experience aura - visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms that occur before the headache.
Symptoms
- Intense, pulsating headache, often unilateral
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Aura with visual disturbances (flashing lights, zigzag lines)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Worsening with physical activity
- Attack duration from 4 to 72 hours
When should you contact a doctor?
- Frequent migraine attacks that affect work and daily life
- Over-the-counter painkillers do not provide sufficient relief
- You use painkillers more than ten days a month
- New or changed headache symptoms
- Headache with neurological symptoms such as paralysis or speech difficulties
- You want preventive treatment
Treatment
Acute treatment of migraine includes painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) and specific migraine medications (triptans). For frequent attacks, preventive treatment with beta-blockers, antidepressants or newer CGRP inhibitors may be considered. Lifestyle measures such as regular sleep, exercise and stress management are also important. A doctor at Eyr can assess your headache, prescribe triptans and possibly start preventive treatment.
