Headaches and Migraines

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What is a Headache/Migraine?

Headaches and migraines are common neurological conditions that can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life. While headaches are typically less severe, migraines can be debilitating and are often associated with other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light. People who suffer from them may have frequent bouts with a variety of unpleasant symptoms that can render them incapacitated. Migraines are frequently occurring that affects up to eight million individuals in the UK. The frequency of episodes can range from several times per week to months or even years between each.

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Is there different types of Headaches?

The following are different types:

Tension Headaches:

The most common type of headache.
Characterised by a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head.
Often described as a tight band around the forehead or a weight on top of the head.
Can be caused by stress, muscle tension, poor posture, or fatigue.

Cluster Headaches:

Intense, severe pain that typically occurs around one eye or on one side of the head.
The pain may last for weeks or months (a cluster period) and then disappear for a long time.
Often associated with tearing, nasal congestion, or redness of the eye on the affected side.
More common in men and often occurs at the same time each day.

Sinus Headaches:

Caused by inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis).
Characterised by a deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose.
Often accompanied by other sinus symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, or fever.

Rebound Headaches:

Occur from the overuse of pain medications, leading to a cycle of headaches that return as the medication wears off.
Common in individuals who frequently use over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol.

Is there different types of Migraines?

Migraines are a more severe type of headache, often accompanied by other symptoms and lasting longer than typical headaches. They can be classified into two main types:

Migraine without Aura:

The most common type of migraine.
Characterised by throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head.
The pain is often moderate to severe and worsens with physical activity.
Associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia).

Migraine with Aura:

Occurs in about 25% of people with migraines.
Before the headache begins, individuals experience visual or sensory disturbances known as an “aura.” These can include:
- Visual symptoms like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
- Sensory changes like tingling or numbness, usually in the face or hands.
The aura typically lasts 20-60 minutes and is followed by the migraine headache.

What are the causes of Headaches/Migraines?

The following are typical causes:

Genetics: Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraines in some women, especially around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

Diet: Certain foods and drinks, such as aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), and food additives (like MSG), can trigger headaches or migraines.

Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety is a common trigger for both headaches and migraines.

Sleep Patterns: Lack of sleep, too much sleep, or changes in sleep patterns can trigger headaches or migraines.

Environmental Factors: Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, and changes in weather or altitude can trigger migraines.

Medications: Some medications, particularly those that dilate blood vessels, can trigger migraines.

Is there treatment available for Headaches/Migraines?

To prevent Headaches/Migraines:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:

Paracetamol: Effective for mild to moderate headaches.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Prescription Medications:

Triptans: Medications like sumatriptan and rizatriptan are specifically designed to treat migraines by narrowing blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.
Preventive Medications: For frequent or severe migraines, doctors may prescribe daily medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. These can include beta-blockers and antidepressants.

Lifestyle Changes:

Regular Exercise: Helps reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.
Healthy Diet: Eating regular meals and avoiding known trigger foods can help prevent headaches.
Adequate Sleep: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting enough rest can help prevent headaches.
Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress, a common trigger for headaches and migraines.

If you get regular headaches, it is recommended that you speak to our clinician. We advise you book a video consultation, although you can book a telephone consultation. If you have an established diagnosis of migraine, we can prescribe medication for ongoing management.

If you have recently started to experience migraines and have no formal diagnosis, please book an appointment with your regular GP.

Please see your regular GP urgently if your headaches/migraines are worsening in intensity and frequency, you have had an epileptic seizure, you’re waking up at night or in the morning with headaches, you are vomiting or have fever associated with the headaches or neurological symptoms.