What is migraine?
It is a neurovascular headache, meaning it manifests as a result of complex events and interactions between both the central and peripheral nervous system and blood supply to the brain.
Migraine is often inherited and is considered the 3rd most common disabling event for those under the age of 50 years.
Symptoms of migraine
Warning stage – You may experience subtle clues that you will develop a migraine which may include neck stiffness, mood changes, constipation, fatigue, thirst or craving of sweet foods
Aura- Visual disturbance which may include light flashes, zig-zags, spots or tunnel vision. But may also cause numbness or tingling on one side of the face or body, hearing or speech disturbance, memory loss, confusion, dizziness or even fainting. The Aura usually occurs before the headache and most commonly persists for 5-20 minutes. Some people will experience the aura only; without the headache developing.
The Headache- throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound or head movement.
Resolution & Hangover- Symptoms usually gradually fade but a ‘hangover ‘effect can persist for hours to several days. Symptoms may be similar to the early warning stage or can be the opposite, ie. If appetite was initially lost you may be incredibly hungry.
What causes migraine?
Genetics- sufferers often have a first degree relative with migraine
Sensory overload- sensitivity to light, patterns, sound and even smells
Foods and food additives- certain foods may trigger a migraine such as cheese and chocolate. MSG and some artificial sweeteners may also be implicated.
Sleep disturbance- either too much or not enough
Hormonal fluctuations
Stress or Anxiety
Physical Exertion
What you should do
First of all, if you experience regular headaches, or any significant headache event it is paramount you visit your family doctor for a thorough general health assessment and diagnosis.
A headache diary can be useful to help pinpoint any trigger to your headache.
What can help?
Medication can be prescribed to reduce the pain and even prevent events from occurring. Some patients require referral to a neurologist to help manage their symptoms.
Lifestyle changes including regular sleep, exercise and a healthy diet. Limit alcohol.
Consider an eye examination. In my experience, those with migraine, benefit from correction of even small vision imperfections. We often recommend lenses to reduce light intensity, blue-light exposure, reflection and glare indoors. Prescription sunglasses are helpful in brighter light conditions. I have also recently experienced success with a migraine patient who has found relief from light sensitivity with the new Acuvue Transition Contact Lenses. These lenses, incredibly incorporate the adaptive tint technology of traditional Transitions spectacle lenses but within a contact lens. They can even be helpful to reduce glare when night driving.
Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about your vision or light sensitivity.