Migraine Awareness Week is a great initiative shedding light on one of most common disabling conditions in the world. It has an estimated global prevalence of 14.7%, that is around 1 in 7 people! Infact, Migraine is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined. It can affect anyone, from childhood through to old age, male or female.
Often it is left undiagnosed for many years, accepting the pain as a part of life. So let talk about all things migraines and highlight some of the key facts.
What is a Migraine?
Migraine is a complex condition, that feels different person to person. For most people, a severely painful headache is the main feature. Other symptoms include altered vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, nausea. Due to the severity of these symptoms, sometimes it will mean you need to lie still for several hours.
Migraines last between 4 and 72hrs on average and can come on multiple times in a week or not for months apart.
Are there different types of migraine? The answer is yes.
The main types of migraine are:
| Migraine without aura
| Migraine with aura
|
| This is the most common with 70-90% of migraine suffers reporting:
– Severe throbbing headache felt mostly on one side of the head – Lasts 4-72hrs – Often associated light or sound sensitivity – Nausea and vomiting are common
| Less common
Headache with visual disturbance and other neurological symptoms: – blind spots in the field of eyesight – coloured spots – sparkles or stars – flashing lights before the eyes – tunnel vision – zig zag lines – temporary blindness – numbness or tingling – pins and needles in the arms and legs – weakness on one side of the body dizziness – a feeling of spinning (vertigo)
|
Signs to look out for
There are red flags (or no-no’s!) with headaches and migraines that may mean you need more urgent care. Make sure you seek medical assistance if you are feeling any of the following:
- Sudden onset of new headache for someone <10 years old or >50yrs old
- Increased headache symptoms with laying down or coughing/sneezing
- “Thunderclap” headache that rapidly worsens in <5mins
- Headaches associated with a fever or rash
Management
As with all conditions the best way to manage a problem is to begin with a thorough assessment. Your Physiotherapist should work in with your GP and Neurologist to form a plan of action to reduce your pain and the frequency of your migraine episodes. So, if you think you could benefit from an assessment, give your Physio a call today.
Physio Connex Performance Clinic is here to help
Physio Connex Performance Clinic has a special interest in the assessment and management of migraine, headache, and jaw pain (TMJ disorders).
Did you know that we operate a dedicated headache and TMJ clinic?
Senior physiotherapist, Andrew Alexander, has completed a Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy which has finessed his evidence-based treatment.
Andrew uses a combination of lifestyle management strategies, manual therapy, dry needling, and exercise to effect lasting change.
You don’t have to suffer in silence any longer!
Contact our highly professional and caring team today and put an end to your dreaded headaches and migraine pain. Call (02) 4314 5183 or book online.
Resources:
https://www.migrainetrust.org/
http://www.migraineaustralia.org/
