What exactly is a migraine?
Migraine is a neurological disease that manifests as attacks of severe, throbbing headache. The pain is often on one side of the head and typically lasts between 4 and 72 hours if left untreated. In addition to the headache, there are often accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.
Migraine should not be confused with common tension headaches, which are more consistent in intensity and usually not accompanied by other symptoms. Migraine affects the brain's blood vessels and neurotransmitters, which is why it is more complex and requires individual management.
The typical symptoms of migraine
Migraine manifests differently from person to person, but there are a number of classic symptoms that many recognize. In addition to the throbbing headache, nausea is very common, and many find it difficult to stay in rooms with light or noise. It is also not uncommon to retreat to a dark and quiet room until the attack is over.
Some also experience changes in mood and appetite, fatigue, and stiffness in the neck – both before, during, and after the seizure. It can all leave you feeling completely exhausted for days.
Aura – a special form of migraine
Approximately 20-25% of people with migraines have migraines with aura. This means that visual disturbances, tingling in the skin, or temporary speech problems occur before the headache begins. The aura usually lasts less than an hour and disappears on its own. It is not dangerous, but can be frightening the first time you experience it.
Who is affected by migraines?
Migraine can affect anyone – children, adolescents, and adults – but it is most common among women of childbearing age. In fact, women get migraines three times as often as men, partly due to hormonal fluctuations. Many women find that migraine attacks are related to the menstrual cycle and that they change during pregnancy or menopause.
There is also a hereditary component. If one of your parents has migraines, you are more likely to get them too. However, that doesn't mean you have to accept it as a fact of life – there is help available.
When should you see a doctor?
Many people live with migraines for years without getting a proper diagnosis. It's a shame because the earlier you get help, the better the condition can be managed. You should contact a doctor if you have:
- Regular, severe headaches
- Headache that prevents you from working, socializing, or sleeping
- Neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, speech problems, or paralysis
- A sudden and severe headache that you have never experienced before
The doctor can help you get a diagnosis and assess whether it really is a migraine – or whether it may be due to something else.
Diagnosis of migraine
There is no test that can confirm a migraine once and for all. The diagnosis is based on your medical history and a thorough discussion of your symptoms. Your doctor will ask about duration, frequency, intensity, and how you respond to medication.
It may be a good idea to keep a headache diary for a period, noting when the headache occurs, how long it lasts, and what you were doing leading up to the attack. This gives the doctor a good picture of the patterns and can help find an effective treatment.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for migraines, and the best solution depends on how often and how severe your attacks are. Many people manage with common pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, especially if taken early on.
If that's not enough, there is specific migraine medication called triptans. They work by affecting the chemical signals in the brain and can often stop an attack if taken early. If you have very frequent attacks, you may also benefit from preventive treatment.
Prevention with medication
There are several types of medication that can be taken daily to prevent migraines. These may include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or newer drugs such as CGRP inhibitors, which target the migraine mechanisms in the brain. It is an individual assessment of what works best for you.
Lifestyle and migraines - what can you do yourself?
Lifestyle is of great importance for migraines. Regular sleep, good eating habits and daily exercise can reduce the risk of seizures. It is largely about creating balance and avoiding the triggers that can trigger the migraine. It could be:
- Irregular meal times
- Sleep deficit
- Stress
- Alcohol or certain foods such as cheese and chocolate
By keeping a migraine diary, you can discover what triggers your attacks and try to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
How Doctors in Denmark can help you
At Doctors in Denmark, we know how frustrating it is to live with migraines – and how important it is to get help quickly. Therefore, we offer appointments on the same day, or whenever it suits you, even outside normal opening hours.
We take the time to listen, make the right diagnosis and find the best treatment for you. We can also help with referrals to a neurologist if you need more specialized assessment. With us, you get help on your terms - and we're with you every step of the way. Book an appointment here.