What is Migraine
Data suggests that between 12-15% of Irish people suffer from migraine - this means that roughly half a million people suffer from migraine in Ireland. It is estimated that migraine costs Irish businesses €252 million every year as a result of lost productivity with the average migraineur missing between 1.5 and 4.5 days from work annually. Despite these staggering figures migraine remains a misunderstood and under managed condition.
What makes a migraine different from a normal headache?
Migraine generally features a one-sided throbbing headache which is episodic and lasts hours or even days with total freedom between attacks. The headache is normally worsened by movement or routine physical activity. Migraine has been likened to a power cut, as the whole body seems to shut down until the attack is over. The headache is of course just one of the symptoms, albeit the most well-known.
An attack of migraine can be very frightening. The onset of classical Migraine (Migraine with Aura) may be signalled by visual disturbances in what is called the "aura" stage. This affects about 20% of migraineurs. Read more on classical migraine. Common Migraine (or Migraine without aura) and classical migraine may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and, in rare cases, temporary paralysis and loss of speech. Sensitivity to light, noise and strong smells is also frequently reported. Read more on the common migraine.
Who suffers migraine?
All age groups suffer. Children as young as 12 months have been diagnosed. Three times more women than men suffer mainly due to hormonal changes. People who are subject to migraine come in a large variety of shapes, ages, temperaments and personalities. Migraine is hereditary in approximately 60% of cases.
About Migraine - Phases of an attack
Migraine attacks can be divided into different phases. Not all of these phases will be experienced by everyone but if you can get to know your own pattern, it may help you predict an attack.
- Build up of Trigger factors. Read more about Trigger factors
- Prodromal Phase (tiredness, yawning, mood changes, food cravings, fluid retention, hyperactivity)
- Aura Phase (Visual distortions, hearing or speech problems, disorientation). Read more on the Aura Phase
- Headache Phase (accompanied by sensitivity to light, noise and smells)
- Resolution Phase (Easing of the Headache)
- Postdromal Phase (Similar to the Prodromal stage. May take hours or even days to fully recover)
Another way of splitting the attack into phases is shown below. In this example, the phases are slightly different to what is outlined above.
