What is a migraine?
The word, Migraine is a French translation of the Greek word "hemikrania". This term was coined because in general the pain of migraines is usually experienced on one side of the head.
Migraine is one of the most common medical problems with 1 in 6 women and 1 in 20 males experiencing 1 or more migraine headaches per year. Approximately 75% of people who experience migraines are women.
There are different types of migraines that can be diagnosed by your doctor (from The International Classification of Headache Disorders):
- Migraine without aura
- Migraine with aura
- Chronic migraine
- Chronic migraine associated with analgesic overuse
- Childhood periodic syndromes that may not be precursors to or associated with migraine
- Complications of migraine
- Migrainous disorder not fulfilling above criteria
Criteria for the diagnosis of migraine (International Headache Society):
Patients have to have experienced 5 attacks that fulfil the following criteria and are not attributable to another disorder.
- Headache duration is between 4 and 72 hours
- Two of the following characteristics are present: Unilateral location; Pulsating quality; Moderate or severe pain intensity; or Aggravated by routine activities.
- The headache is accompanied by one of the following: Nausea and/or vomiting; or Photophobia (intolerant to light) and Phonophobia (intolerant to noise).
Get frequent migraines? Act now!
If you or a member of your family suffer from frequent migraines then we may be able to help. Simply contact us to book an appointment for assessment and treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions).
