Migraine 101: Everything You Need to Know to Take Control

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Migraines can turn daily life into a painful obstacle course. Fear not, however! Consultant neurologist Dr Wong Sing Keat joins us to shed light on the facts and share vital tips for navigating life with migraines.

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR WONG SING KEAT
Consultant Neurologist and Physician
Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MIGRAINE

“Migraine is a complex neurological condition that goes far beyond a simple headache,” Dr Wong Sing Keat tells us.

Migraine is a type of headache disorder that affects up to 9% of adults.
Characterized by intense, often throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head.
The pain is due to stimulation of the trigeminovascular system, a network of nerves that supplies blood vessels in the brain.
Migraine needs to be first diagnosed by a doctor before it is properly treated.
Clinical diagnosis is based on specific criteria outlined in the guidelines called the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3).
There is no single test to diagnose migraine; instead, it is diagnosed based on a patient’s symptoms, physical examination, and the exclusion of other potential causes of headache.

MIGRAINE ATTACKS OFTEN PROGRESS THROUGH 4 DISTINCT PHASES

Note that not everyone with migraine will experience all 4 phases.

Phase 1: Prodrome

Begins 24 to 48 hours before the actual headache
Symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Difficulties in concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination

Phase 2: Aura

Only 20−25% of people with migraine will experience aura.
Typically lasts from 5 to 60 minutes.
Experience fully reversible symptoms such as:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision changes
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Sensitivity to touch
- Numbness and tingling in your hands and feet
- Difficulties in speaking or concentrating

Phase 3: Headache

Usually begins gradually, intensifies over several hours, and then slowly subsides.
Often affects only one side of the head.
Can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to touch, light, and sound.
The pain may be worsened by physical activity or movement.

Phase 4: Postdrome

Often referred to as migraine hangover.
Can leave sufferers feeling drained, confused, and generally unwell for up to a day after the headache subsides.

COMMON MIGRAINE TRIGGERS

Emotional and physical stress.
Hormonal changes: Menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy.
Sleep disturbances. Both too much and too little sleep can act as trigger.
Diet. Common triggers are alcohol, caffeine, monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates.
Environment: weather changes, bright lights, loud noises, strong smells.
Medications, particularly those containing oestrogen.
Physical factors: intense physical exertion, changes in altitude.
Family history. Migraine is not inherited from parents, but family history can increase one’s risk for it.

Contrary to some beliefs, excessive chewing or tooth-grinding will not cause one to develop migraine.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS

Take medications promptly. If you have been prescribed acute medication for migraines, take it as soon as you notice early symptoms to potentially prevent the migraine from progressing.
Find a peaceful space. Rest in a dark, quiet room to reduce sensory stimulation.
Stay hydrated and nourished. Drink water and eat a small snack if needed; dehydration and low blood sugar can worsen migraine symptoms.
Relax and stay calm. Try deep breathing, meditation, taking a warm bath, etc

Keep a migraine diary to track your symptoms and triggers, which can help in managing your condition more effectively.

HOW TO DEAL WITH MIGRAINE

“While there is no permanent cure for migraine, various treatment options can help manage the condition effectively,” Dr Wong explains.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

These can be purchased from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

Prescription Medications

A doctor’s prescription is needed to obtain these medications:

Triptans, which constrict blood vessels and block pain pathways in the brain.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, which block the transmission of migraine pain.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
A device is placed against the scalp, delivering brief magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and into targeted brain regions.
These pulses can help interrupt abnormal electrical activity associated with migraines, potentially stopping an attack in progress or preventing future ones.
TMS is particularly useful for migraines with aura. It’s generally well-tolerated and have few side effects.