It’s not just a headache; talk to your pharmacist about new treatment options

Often confused by non-sufferers as a ‘bad headache’, those who experience migraines know they are so much more. We now understand that migraines are a complex genetic neurological disorder. A migraine attack usually presents as an intense headache, often accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. The severity of symptoms and the symptoms themselves can differ between sufferers. So too, can the triggers that cause them.

What causes Migraines?

A migraine attack is usually the result of nerves in the head and neck becoming irritated (trigger). These triggers vary from person to person but can include:

• Foods
• Changes in the weather
• Hormone changes
• Stress
• Too much caffeine or not enough water
• Changes in routine
• Environmental irritants like dust, altitude, or smoke

These triggers combine with a tiny defective gene in the brain, often genetically predisposed, and cause blood vessels in the head to spasm. Next comes inflammation around the affected part of the brain (pain). This pain phase can last up to 72 hours leaving some individuals feeling hungover for days afterwards.

What helps Migraine attacks?

 

Diagnosis

Know your triggers & warning signs (auras)

Once you have confirmed you are experiencing migraines, start to take note of your triggers and early warning signs (often referred to as an aura). Warning signs that a migraine attack is coming can include seeing ‘stars’, geometric shapes in your field of vision or even partial vision loss. In addition, some people also experience distortion to other senses, including hearing or tasting things that are not there. This brief, pre-pain phase is where medication can stop the migraine attack from progressing.

 

Migraine medicine from your pharmacist

Simple painkillers, sometimes with an anti-nausea medication may be enough to stop a migraine in its tracks, particularly if taken early enough in the course of the migraine.

Schedule changes from the Therapeutic Goods Administration in 2021 mean that your pharmacist can now sell specialised medications, specifically designed to stop a migraine from progressing into a full attack. Triptan medications work on the chemicals and blood vessels in your brain to prevent the acute (pain) phase from occurring if taken during the aura (early warning) phase.

Triptan medications can be used in conjunction with most preventative migraine medications (always check with your GP or pharmacist) and prevent the need for over-the-counter pain relief if taken at the right time. As a migraine attack can occur with minimal warning, we recommend speaking to your local pharmacist about pre-purchasing this medication so you can take it in time (NOTE: This medication is not suitable for patients with heart disease).

 

It's important to be aware that overuse of headache or migraine treatments, including triptans, can lead to medication overuse headache. If you need medications every day, or they are working less and less, this may be a sign of medication overuse headache. Consult your GP if you believe this could be contributing to your pain.

Lifestyle changes to reduce attacks

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all solution to preventing migraine attacks. Some people find that the following assist in reducing the severity or regularity of migraine attacks:

 

• Sleep routines
• Keeping blood sugar consistent with multiple small meals; no fasting
• Working with a dietitian to identify potential food triggers
• Physical therapy with a specialist physiotherapist – especially if neck problems are contributing to migraine frequency
• Psychological support to manage the stress that can trigger migraines
• Supplements, consult with your GP or pharmacist to determine what you might require

 

Ice packs, heat packs, weighted blankets, over-the-counter pain medication, and (sometimes) even an ice-cold coca cola can assist with symptoms if prevention doesn’t work. 

 

For patients who suffer regular migraines (on many days a month) or extremely severe migraines (on fewer days per month) preventative medicine may be appropriate. Consult your GP about migraine prevention options.

More general information and support is available at:

https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/managing-migraine

https://www.migraine.org.au/