Migraines
It is estimated people in the UK lose a total of 25 million days from their work and education each year because of migraine.* While for some people migraines are an occasional nuisance which are easily treated with painkillers, for others they can be a debilitating condition meaning sufferers are unable to live their normal lives for days at a time.
There are several types of migraine depending on whether or not warning signs (such as visual distortions known as an “aura”) precede the migraine and whether the headache develops (some migraines only show non-headache symptoms such as an aura or nausea).§
There can be years between migraine attacks for some sufferers, for others they can occur several times a week.
*Source: The Migraine Trust
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Causes of migraines
Unfortunately, no one knows for sure what causes migraines. The current thinking is that they are the result of changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain, and genetics may also be a factor as migraines appear to be an inherited condition in around half of cases.
If you suffer from migraines you should attempt to reduce the following potential triggers:
- Stress
- Tiredness
- Hunger
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Other food and drink can also be triggers, so your doctor may advise you to keep a migraine diary including what and when you eat or drink (as well as other factors such as sleep, stress and exercise levels) to try and narrow down your triggers. For women the start of their menstrual period can also be a cause.
For both men and women, migraine symptoms may worsen in the years leading up to the menopause or andropause.
Often it’s a combination of factors which lead to migraines, so it can take some time to work out how best to manage them.
Leading a generally healthy lifestyle, including exercise and having a regular schedule for eating and sleeping, can help to manage the condition. You should also ensure that you remain well hydrated throughout the day.
Symptoms of migraines
Migraines are mostly associated with severe headaches, however there are often many other symptoms involved, and some sufferers may even have a migraine without a headache.
These symptoms are also typical of migraines:
- Distorted vision (in particular seeing a hazy “aura”, flashing lights or blind spots).
- Heightened sensitivity to light, sounds and smells.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pins and needles or numbness in limbs.
Generally speaking your migraine will be classified as “migraine with aura” or “migraine without aura” depending on whether or not you suffer the visual symptoms.
Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to up to three days and generally sufferers feel perfectly well again once the symptoms have subsided.
If you have any of the following symptoms you should call for emergency medical assistance immediately as you may have a more serious condition:
- Paralysis or weakness in your arm/s or face.
- Difficulty speaking, for example garbling or slurring.
- An agonizing headache which is unlike anything you have had before.
- A headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision and a rash.
Treatments for migraines
Painkillers
There is no cure for migraines at present, however carefully managed painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen in particular) can help to control the pain for many sufferers. There are also combination medications available over the counter which combine painkillers with anti-sickness drugs, which some sufferers find more effective than painkillers alone (even if they don’t suffer from nausea). Painkillers should be taken at the very first sign of an attack, as they are less effective once the symptoms have taken hold. If you are unable to take them straight away then soluble painkillers might be a better choice as they are absorbed more quickly. You should also be aware that taking painkillers frequently can actually exacerbate the symptoms of migraine, known as a “painkiller headache”.Botox
For chronic migraines we offer botox treatment. In the 1990s botox, the botulinum toxin, was reported to have an improving effect on headaches by people taking it for other medical conditions. Clinical trials were then carried out and found that 70% of the patients treated with botox had more than halved the number of headaches they suffered each month.* In treating migraines with botox, very small quantitiesare injected into the skin or muscles around the head, neck and shoulders, repeated every 12 weeks. Some patients notice little improvement until after their second round of injections and it can take a third round for it to make a difference for a small number of patients. It isn’t fully understood how botox relieves migraine headaches. It is thought that it affects the nerves which carry the pain signal, effectively blocking certain pain pathways which are key to the headache phase of a migraine. Botox has also been successfully used in the treatment of other pain conditions. Please note that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding botox cannot be administered. Other medical conditions may also affect your eligibility for botox migraine treatments, this will be discussed with you in full at your free initial consultation.Hormone balancing
Migraines may be triggered, or worsened, by fluctuations in your hormone levels. During menstruation, for example, or as a result of the perimenopause and menopause/andropause. In these cases, hormone balancing treatments may be suitable to help reduce your symptoms. Our hormone balancing specialist will analyse your hormone levels and recommend the appropriate treatment for you. Find out more about BHRT for women and BHRT for men.Other treatments
You should also ensure that you work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms. Additional treatments are available, generally through the NHS, including:- Triptans – these medicines can help prevent migraines by reversing blood vessel changes in the brain which might cause an attack.
- Anti-emetics – anti-sickness drugs not only help with migraine-induced nausea, but also appear to help reduce the headache symptoms.
- Acupuncture – a course of acupuncture treatments may be of benefit.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation – this procedure delivers small magnetic pulses through your skin into your head and can reduce the severity of migraine attacks.
Our migraines treatments
Book a free consultation to discuss the best options for you.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
It can be difficult to differentiate between a headache and a migraine. Migraines aren’t necessarily regular events, so some people don’t realise that their headache is a migraine. Equally, migraine sufferers will also get headaches from other causes.
If you are concerned that you may be suffering from migraines then the best solution is to keep a diary of all the headaches you have, including any other symptoms you experience, for a couple of months and then take this to your doctor so they can help you assess the cause.
More information on migraine diaries from Migraine Trust.
What should I do if I have a migraine?
Take painkillers at the earliest sign of a migraine, as these can prevent the onset of one. Soluble painkillers are absorbed by the body more quickly, so they might be a better choice. If this doesn’t prevent the migraine then most people find it best to lie down somewhere dark and quiet. Eating something can also help the symptoms.
Where can I find more information?
If you’d like to learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments for migraines, the following trusted sources offer detailed guidance:
- NHS – Migraine
An overview of the different types of migraine, possible triggers, and available treatments.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine - National Migraine Centre
A UK charity offering expert clinical care, factsheets and blogs on managing migraines and cluster headaches.
www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk - The Migraine Trust
A leading UK charity providing education, support and research into migraine and its impact.
www.migrainetrust.org
Further reading about botox treatment for migraines
Medical research resources are available if you wish to learn more about how botox treatment can help to manage migraines. Here are some examples:
- National Library of Medicine: Botulinum toxin in the management of chronic migraine: clinical evidence and experience https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5367647/
- Wiley Online Library: Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) for Treatment of Migraine Symptoms: A Systematic Review https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/3284446
You can also find more about our treatment approach on our botox for migraines page.
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