If there is one thing people who suffer from migraines would like others to know, it is that these attacks are more than just a bad headache. Migraines commonly involve throbbing pain, oftentimes on one side of the head, sometimes both; and they can have far-reaching consequences across all areas of a sufferer’s life.

A migraine is an incapacitating neurological disorder that comes with wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, nausea and vomiting; sensitivity to lights, noises, and scents; and – for some – visual disturbances in the form of auras, as well as focal neurologic symptoms that affect specific parts of the body.

Episodes as such can last between four and 72 hours.

Migraines can afflict men, women and children, but it is not an equal-opportunity disorder. Of those who suffer chronic crippling attacks, the vast majority are women. In fact, migraines are three times more common in women than in men, and is the fourth leading cause of disability in females.

“This difference between men and women is largely due to a specific hormonal change, namely estrogen, which helps regulate the female reproductive system and controls chemicals in the brain that impact the sensation of pain,” said Dr Sharmina Kamal from Sunway Medical Centre.

“A drop in estrogen levels can contribute to the development of chronic headaches or migraines.”

In children, migraines are often more prevalent in boys. However, once the influence of estrogen kicks in, the prevalence starts to rise in females, contributing to more frequent and longer-lasting attacks in those between the age of 20 and 45.

Along with hormonal changes, Sharmina explained that there are other factors and events that could trigger a migraine, which include stress, lack of or too much sleep, skipped meals, weather changes, as well as alcohol and caffeine.

Heading off the pain

The good news is, there are things one can do to get relief from a migraine.

“The best thing to do at the start of an attack is to stop your activity and get some rest, preferably in a quiet and dimly lit room or area,” said her colleague, Dr Raymond Tan. “Taking a simple analgesic like paracetamol at the start often helps to limit the severity.”

The application of topical menthol can also help, although this is best avoided in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The doctors say it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods, adequate hydration, frequent exercise, and proper sleep. You can also speak to your physician about daily supplements, such as vitamin B or magnesium.

While migraines are a real source of pain, most of the time, they are not indicative of a serious medical problem. However, it is worth speaking to your doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• uncontrollable vomiting;
• loss of consciousness;
• seizures or convulsions;
• blurred vision or other vision changes;
• loss of balance or coordination.

“If a migraine attack persists for more than 72 hours, it becomes debilitating and resistant to conventional treatment,” Tan explained. “In cases with persistent vomiting, this could lead to potential dehydration and its associated problems, which could require hospitalisation with intravenous fluids and medications.”

Those who experience aura migraines, especially women who smoke or use oral contraceptives, have an increased risk of stroke and, in some cases, seizures.

When it comes to treating migraines, timing is everything. Waiting too long to address your symptoms or take preventive steps can increase how often and severely a migraine strikes.

So, know and avoid your triggers, treat symptoms early, and find medications or therapies that work best to relieve your pain.