Page 88 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

86 COMMON CONDITIONS: HEAD, BACK, AND LIMB PROBLEMS

Migraine

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache, usually on one side of your head and often behind one eye or
temple. You may feel nauseated or vomit, and be particularly sensitive to bright light and loud noises. A
migraine can last for anything from a few hours to 3 days and may be so debilitating that it prevents normal
activities. Shortly before an attack, some people have warning symptoms (known as aura), such as visual
disturbances and an altered sense of taste and smell. Factors that can trigger migraines in susceptible people
include stress; changes in sleep routine; certain foods and drinks; and, in women, fluctuating hormone levels.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
See your doctor to confirm that your symptoms
are due to a migraine. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (see p.177),
aspirin (see p.179), or ibuprofen (see p.185), should be
taken as soon as symptoms or aura begin to develop.
CAUTION: Children and tennagers should not use
What you can do yourself aspirin before a doctor is consulted about Reye’s
syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Use the following treatments and self-help
measures as soon as an attack begins. Migraine remedies (see p.186) combine
analgesics and caffeine (which enhances the
● Take an analgesic at the first sign of an attack. analgesic effect) in one pill to help relieve the
If you feel sick or are vomiting, take a migraine headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound
remedy (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). associated with a migraine.
● If possible, lie down in a dark, quiet room with
pillows to support your head. Try to sleep.
NATURAL REMEDIES
● Sip water throughout the day, especially if you
have been vomiting.
Feverfew (see p.182) is a garden herb that
● Wear sunglasses if you are out in bright daylight. is available as supplements. Some people find that
it reduces the frequency
of migraine attacks.
Feverfew capsules
Try taking the capsules for a
PREVENTION few weeks to see if they help.
Reducing attacks To reduce the frequency
and severity of migraine attacks, try these measures.
● Keep a journal for a few weeks, noting when you
have migraines and any possible contributory factors.
Foods such as red wine, chocolate, and cheese are
common triggers. Too much caffeine or cutting back
suddenly on your regular intake can cause migraine.
● If stress is a factor, try to reduce it (see pp.20–21).
Seek further medical advice
● Eat regularly and drink 6–8 glasses of water a day.
● Keep to a regular sleep pattern. Too little or too Arrange to see your doctor if:
much sleep can trigger a migraine.
● Your migraines are not getting better with
● Taking the herb feverfew may help to prevent
migraine attacks (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right). self-help or prescribed treatments
● You are having frequent or severe attacks