Migraines are not just ordinary headaches. While occasional headaches are usually fleeting, severe and persistent headaches may indicate a migraine, which requires specific treatment and attention. As Migraine Awareness Week approaches, Debbie Shipley, head of information and support at The Migraine Trust, explains the key differences between migraines and regular headaches.
Shipley describes migraines as a complex neurological condition resulting from abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Migraine attacks are a common feature, characterized by moderate to severe throbbing head pain, often worsened by movement or light. These attacks typically start on one side of the head.
The NHS defines severe pain as a constant discomfort that impairs daily activities such as thinking, talking, moving, or sleeping. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), diagnosing migraines without aura requires meeting specific criteria, including headache duration, characteristics, intensity, and associated symptoms.
Migraines can significantly impact various aspects of life, affecting relationships, careers, and mental health. Research shows that migraines can lead to mental health issues, work disruptions, and decreased social participation. Unlike regular headaches that resolve quickly, migraines can last from four hours to three days and progress through different stages, each with distinct symptoms.
In some cases, individuals may experience migraines with aura, involving visual disturbances or sensory issues before the headache phase. The postdrome phase, following a migraine episode, may leave individuals feeling unwell or fatigued for hours or days. Shipley emphasizes the importance of consulting a GP if suspecting a migraine, especially in cases of severe or worsening migraines, frequent occurrences, or difficulty in managing symptoms.
The NHS advises seeking medical attention if migraines are severe, frequent, uncontrollable, or associated with specific triggers like menstruation. Urgent medical attention is recommended if a migraine persists for more than 72 hours, aura symptoms last longer than an hour, or during pregnancy.