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Headache and Migraine – when should you see your GP?

Everyone experiences headaches from time to time, but how can you tell the difference between a bad headache and a migraine; and when is it time to consult your GP about your headaches?

As part of Migraine and Headache Awareness Week this week, we take a closer look at headaches and migraines and how they can impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

Headaches
A headache is a very common condition experienced by most people at some stage in their life. It is characterised by pain in any region of the head, including the face and neck.

The majority of headaches are tension headaches, which can feel like you have a tight rubber band around the head. Headaches can be caused by a number of things, including tension and stress, injuries, tiredness, sinus problems and dehydration. Most headaches, however, are not serious and can be managed with a dose of paracetamol.

If your headache is associated with other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious, underlying condition that should be examined by your GP.

Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache that is associated with a spasm in the blood vessels leading to the brain. It can cause severe pain and throbbing, usually on one side of the head.

According to the World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease Study from 2013, migraine headaches were found to be the sixth highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability, with migraine often resulting in lost work days and productivity as well as high health care costs.

Migraine is believed to affect up to 3 million Australians every year and is more common in females than males, largely due to hormonal changes and fluctuations.

While migraine can affect anyone at any age, it is most common in people aged in their 20s and 30s.

Migraines differ from headaches in that they can often cause symptoms which include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to sound, light, smell and/or touch
  • Affected vision, such as blurred or aura
  • Numbness to your face or extremities

Stages of Migraine
According to Migraine and Headache Australia, there are five distinct known stages of migraine that distinguish it from a normal headache and reflect the neurological changes that occur in the brain.

  1. Prodromol or the early warning stage – early warning symptoms can occur up to 24-hours before the migraine occurs. These symptoms can include:
    1. Mood changes, including feeling full of life and energy or feeling depressed and irritable.
    2. Gut changes, including nausea, changes in appetite (less hungry or having cravings), and constipation or diarrhoea.
    3. Neurological changes, including drowsiness, difficulty finding the right words, sensitivity to light and sound, and trouble focussing your eyes.
    4. Behavioural changes, including clumsiness, hyperactivity or feeling lethargic.
    5. Muscular aches and pains.
    6. Fluid balance changes, including fluid tension or needing to go to the toilet more often.

2.  Aura – this involves visual disturbances and can include zig-zag lines, flashing lights, trouble focussing and blind spots. Aura can also affect speech and sensation and occurs in 20-30% of people experiencing migraine.

3. Headache – unlike a regular headache, a migraine headache can last up to 3 days and is typically felt as a throbbing sensation on one side of your head, although it can occur on both sides. Movement can make the headache feel worse and you may feel nauseous or have more sensitivity to light, sounds and smells.

4.  Resolution – the good news is that migraine will eventually come to an end. Some people find this doesn’t happen until after they have been sick, while others find sleep or medication helps to resolve it.

5.  Postdromol or recovery – once the migraine has resolved, sufferers may feel quite drained and fragile for a good day or two after experiencing a migraine. Others, however, may feel more energetic or euphoric.

Known Triggers
While there is no specific known cause of migraines, the Perth Brain Centre indicates that research shows certain factors can trigger migraine, including:

  • Foods containing amines (including chocolate, cheese, dairy foods, citrus, caffeine, alcohol, pork, seafood, onions and wheat).
  • Fluctuation in blood sugar, from skipping meals.
  • Bright lights, loud noises or strong smells.
  • Too much or not enough sleep.
  • Hormonal changes and the oral contraceptive pill.
  • Stress and anxiety.
  • Changes in the weather.
  • Certain food additives, such as MSG and nitrates.

Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are some of the best proactive ways to help reduce your risk of headaches and migraine.

It is also important to ensure you are getting enough sleep each night and can find ways to manage and reduce your stress levels, such as through meditation, yoga or even a relaxing warm bath.

If you do find yourself regularly getting headaches and migraine, it is worth considering keeping a daily migraine diary to help keep a track of your daily food, drink, activities and emotions. This will help your GP to identify any potential patterns or triggers.

If you are experiencing ongoing headaches or migraine, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns. Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

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