For many, migraines can feel like an unpredictable burden, affecting work, social life, and overall well-being. While both men and women can suffer with migraines, they are more common in women - research shows that 1 in 4 women will suffer with migraines between the ages of 18 and 49; three times the amount of men who suffer.
So what is a migraine?
A migraine is not simply a 'bad headache'. It is a neurological condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including intense head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is typically one-sided and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Migraines are also often accompanied by an aura, which can include visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots, and sometimes even difficulty speaking or tingling sensations.
What is the difference between headache and migraine?
Unlike a regular headache (which is generally caused by tension or stress) migraines involve changes in the brain's blood vessels and nerve activity. These changes can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to the characteristic pain and other symptoms.
A typical tension headache is usually a dull, aching pain that feels like a tight band around the head. Migraine pain, on the other hand, is usually more intense, throbbing, and often occurs on one side of the head. Migraines are also associated with additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
Some small studies have recently indicated that there may be some detectable brain differences between those who suffer from migraines, and those who don't. This early research may show a link between minor injury to the brain tissue and certain structures within the 'migraine brain', as opposed to the 'typical brain'.
Why do more women than men suffer?
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the primary triggers of migraines for many women. Changes in oestrogen and progesterone, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can significantly influence the occurrence and intensity of migraines.
During the menstrual cycle, levels of oestrogen drop just before menstruation begins, and this dip is thought to contribute to the onset of migraines in some people. The link between hormones and migraines is so significant that some of us may experience migraine attacks as part of what’s known as 'menstrual migraines'. Additionally, hormonal changes related to pregnancy or the use of birth control can also impact migraine patterns.
As we approach menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can again lead to changes in migraine frequency and severity. Some may find their migraines become less frequent once they’ve reached menopause, but others may experience an increase in migraine episodes as their body adjusts to these hormonal changes.
What happens in the brain during a migraine?
Migraines are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger changes in brain activity. When a migraine occurs, there is a disruption in the brain’s normal electrical activity, which leads to changes in the blood vessels and the release of chemicals in the brain.
An important factor in migraine development is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and pain. During a migraine, serotonin levels drop, which leads to changes in blood flow in the brain. This can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to the intense throbbing pain characteristic of a migraine.
The brainstem, which controls many of our automatic functions, is also involved in migraines. This part of the brain is thought to be hypersensitive in people who suffer from migraines, which could explain why certain stimuli, like bright lights or strong smells, can trigger an attack.
3 Tips for Dealing with Migraines
While migraines can feel overwhelming, there are a few strategies we can implement to help manage them.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Understanding what triggers our migraines is crucial. Hormonal fluctuations are often a significant factor, but other triggers such as certain foods, caffeine, stress, or lack of sleep can also play a role.
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify patterns and allow us to take proactive measures to avoid triggers.
Prioritise Rest and Relaxation
Migraines can be exacerbated by stress, so ensuring we take time to rest is essential. When we feel a migraine coming on, it can help to retreat to a quiet, dark room and practise deep breathing or meditation to calm the nervous system. Resting can also help alleviate other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light.
Speak to your GP
If migraines worsen or become more frequent, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your GP can help with diagnosis, offer prescription treatments, or suggest lifestyle adjustments. For some of us, hormonal treatment options or migraine-specific medications may be helpful in managing the condition.
