27 September 2023 , 07:00
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We may think we know all there is to know about migraines, but despite some six million Brits experiencing them there is still a lot of misunderstanding surrounding this common condition.
Migraines are usually moderate or severe headaches that are felt as throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can include other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, and can severely affect your quality of life and stop you carrying out normal daily activities.
In an effort to promote better understanding of the neurological disorder, GP Dr Sameer Sanghvi of , explains seven little-understood facts about it.
Migraines are more common in women
“Women are around three times more likely to experience migraine episodes. While around 1 in 15 men suffer with migraines, for women it’s 1 in 5. This disparity is largely due to a link between migraines and fluctuating oestrogen levels at various periods throughout the menstrual cycle.”
Not all migraines cause headaches
“Migraines are largely associated with headaches, however, not every migraine will involve a headache. For example, a headache does not develop with ‘silent’ migraines but you may experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and aura.
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“Abdominal migraines are another type of migraine which mostly affect children and involve tummy pain that lasts several hours. Similarly, ocular migraines affect the eyes and involve temporary loss of vision which may or may not be accompanied by a headache."
Weather changes can trigger migraines
“Changes in weather (particularly pressure) can trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain which irritate nerves. For some, this can prompt a migraine. Weather changes associated with migraines include bright sunlight, extreme temperatures, storms and changes in pressure.
“For this reason, as spring approaches, the warmer weather and extra sunlight can pose an issue for those who suffer with migraines.”
Migraines are common in children
“Migraines are common in children, affecting about 10 per cent of school-age children. While, for some youngsters, symptoms are similar to adult migraine symptoms, for others, attacks may differ. For example, some children’s migraine attacks are much shorter.”
Disorder often improves during pregnancy
“Unfortunately, many migraine medications aren’t recommended for pregnant women. However, the good news is migraine symptoms tend to improve during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, around two-thirds of women find their migraines are reduced.”
Medication can be taken to treat and prevent them
“Medication can be taken to reduce the number and severity of migraines. One of these, Vydura (containing the active ingredient rimegepant), is a new that comes in oral wafer form and can be used to relieve migraine attacks and prevent them altogether. Vydura is now available in the UK from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, the first to launch this treatment in the UK. It is not yet available on the NHS.”
Studies show a plant-based diet can improve symptoms
“A growing body of evidence suggests migraines can be prevented by eating a plant-based diet, rich in dark leafy vegetables. In particular, a 2021 report showed following the low inflammatory foods everyday (LIFE) diet may offer effective, permanent relief from migraines. Try incorporating some more vegetables like spinach, kale, bok choy and rocket into your diet.”
Top triggers for migraines
Dr Johal, a medical advisor at Vitality, said migraines tend to run in families, which points towards a genetic link.
"In people who are genetically predisposed to migraines, an individual episode may be brought on by any of a number of triggers," said Dr Johal, with "the specific triggers varying by person and changing over time". There can be "common" dietary triggers, such as:
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- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Drinking caffeine
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating gluten
- Eating chocolate
- Eating cheese
- Eating citrus
Chocolate in particular can cause migraines in some individuals due to certain ingredients, such as caffeine, tyramine, and phenylethylamine. These can affect blood vessels and brain chemicals, triggering migraines in those susceptible to them. But environmental triggers are also important to consider, including:
- Strong odours
- Bright lights
- Cigarette smoke
- Overly warm conditions
- Sudden temperature conditions
Dr Johal recommended keeping a migraine diary to help you hone in on what your triggers could be. He said: "Once you recognise your triggers, you need to avoid them as much as possible."
There are some triggers, however, that may be impossible to avoid completely, such as certain emotional states. Many things can trigger a migraine, such as feeling stressed, anxious or even depressed. As such, the medical expert said how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and frequent, moderate exercise.