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Headaches and Migraines

For most people, a headache happens occasionally and can be quickly cured with
something to eat, a short rest or a couple of painkillers.
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Most headaches and migraines are unpleasant but harmless and can be relieved with selfhelp measures and pharmacy painkillers. Only a few (around 5%) are a sign that
something is seriously wrong. These more serious headaches are often accompanied by
other warning signs. For example, a headache accompanied by a rash and a very high
temperature could be meningitis.

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Get medical advice urgently if your headache occurs suddenly and severely, especially
after a blow to the head, or if it's accompanied by a fever or feelings of drowsiness.
Migraines

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Migraines are much more than just a headache. The Migraine Action Association says that
migraines are the most common neurological (nerve-related) condition in the developed
world. They affect more than 15% of the UK population. Around two-thirds of migraines are
in women. Migraines affect more people than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.
Attacks, which can last from 4 to 72 hours, can be completely disabling, and can prevent
people from carrying out their usual activities for up to three days. Even when they don't
have symptoms, people affected may live in fear of the next attack.

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There is no cure for migraines, but it is possible to control them with a range of treatments.
However, what's successful for one person may not work for another, so it's important to
keep trying different treatments until you find one that works for you.
Around 10% of people who have migraines also experience aura symptoms. These are
disturbances that start 15 minutes to an hour before the headache. They can include blind
spots, flashing lights, zigzag patterns, tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the limbs.
Migraine triggers

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Migraines are believed to be caused by the release of a chemical called serotonin into the
bloodstream, resulting in changes in the brain. Exactly what causes this to happen is still a
subject for research and debate. However, certain factors that can trigger attacks in
susceptible people have been identified. These include:

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emotional stress, such as anger, tension or shock

physical stress, such as overexertion or travelling
diet, such as infrequent meals, alcohol (especially red wine) or additives
environmental causes, such as supermarket lights, computer screens, smoking or
loud noise

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hormonal causes, such as puberty, menstruation or pregnancy

high blood pressure, eye strain or the use of sleeping tablets

Painkiller headaches

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Painkillers can help relieve headaches, but it's possible to develop a tolerance to them,
causing rebound headaches known as painkiller headaches. The condition can develop
with overuse of any type of painkiller.
If you take medication to treat headaches on more than two days a week for three months
or more, you're at risk of painkiller headaches. Consult your GP to identify the cause of the
headaches and discuss other treatment options. (489)