Migraines are not just regular headaches; they can be more severe and persistent, indicating a neurological condition that requires specific treatment. With Migraine Awareness Week approaching, Debbie Shipley, head of information and support at The Migraine Trust, explains the distinctive features of migraines compared to everyday headaches.
“Migraines are complex and involve abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels,” Shipley explains. Migraine attacks often entail throbbing head pain exacerbated by movement or light, typically affecting one side of the head initially.
According to the NHS, severe migraines cause constant discomfort that impairs daily activities like thinking, talking, and sleeping. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence outlines criteria for diagnosing migraines without aura based on headache duration, characteristics, and associated symptoms.
Migraines can significantly impact various aspects of life, affecting relationships, careers, and mental health. Research shows that migraines can lead to mental health issues, work impairment, and decreased social participation. Unlike regular headaches that usually resolve quickly, migraines can last for hours to days and progress through distinct phases.
The premonitory phase may involve warning signs like fatigue or food cravings. Some individuals experience auras before migraines, characterized by visual disturbances or sensory issues. The headache phase includes head pain, nausea, and sensory sensitivity lasting hours to days. The postdrome phase may follow, causing lingering fatigue or discomfort.
Shipley emphasizes the importance of consulting a GP if suspecting a migraine, especially if experiencing severe or frequent migraines, difficulty controlling them, or migraines coinciding with periods. Urgent medical attention is advised for prolonged migraines, persistent aura symptoms, or if pregnant.