Migraine headaches
For a headache to be defined as a migraine 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).
Characteristics of a Migraine headache:
The migraine headache usually occurs when awake however it can rarely awaken patients at night. The character of the headache is usually "throbbing" however more than half of sufferers report that headaches can be non-throbbing during the attack. It is initially unilateral and usually localised over the forehead, temples or behind the eyes however the discomfort can be felt anywhere over the head or neck. The intensity of the pain typically builds over 1 to 2 hours and progresses to the back of the head and becomes more generalised. The pain intensity can be increased by movement or physical activity. The headache usually lasts between 4 hours and 3 days and the pain usually subsides gradually.
Migraines vary with age and gender:
Before puberty occurs, migraines more frequently occur in boys rather than in girls. During puberty the prevalence increases in both males and females (most marked in females 2.5:1) and peaks after the age of 30 (when the ratio of female-to-male patients increases to 3.5:1). Attacks usually decrease in severity and frequency after age 40 years, except for women in peri-menopause. Onset of migraine after age 50 years is rare.
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).
