Migraines

If you suffer from migraines, then you do not suffer alone. Migraines are an extremely common affliction, with over 190,000 migraine attacks taking place every day in the UK.

And migraines are not just simple headaches. They can be debilitating and extremely painful, and yet many sufferers resign themselves to simply learning to live with the condition.

However, there are ways to treat the condition effectively. From actions you can undertake yourself to chiropractic aid and effective medications, you shouldn’t have to put up with your migraines.

What are migraines?

It is true that migraines are a form of headaches, but they are particularly intense, often signalled by a throbbing in the front or back of the head. Whilst many of us can ignore a headache and get on with our day, the pain and pressure caused by a migraine is a primary health concern for most sufferers.

This pressure is often combined with other symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, insomnia and nausea, making it even more debilitating.

So what causes a migraine? Migraines are extremely common and can be caused by a range of factors. These include stress, noise, light, insomnia, dehydration and the increased use of computers and other screens alongside being generally inactive.

What can you do to treat your migraines?

Self-care is key when it comes to migraine treatment. There are several things you can do to try and alleviate your symptoms.

Make sure you keep active. In modern society, jobs often require sitting in front of a screen for long stretches of time, and this can be a big contributor to migraines. Aim to get up and walk a little every 30 minutes, and take the time to rotate your head and neck slowly when sitting to release some of the tension your muscles are holding. You can also incorporate light yoga and stretching into your day before or after work to help relieve stress and strain.

Pay attention to your teeth and jaws. It may sound odd, but many of us clench our jaws or grind our teeth without realising, and this is a huge contributor to increasing pressure which can lead to tension headaches.

Keep hydrated. Aim to drink eight large glasses of water a day to avoid any head pressure caused by dehydration.

Visit a chiropractor. Taking a trip to the chiropractor can offer expert advice and allows you to work with a professional to adjust any areas of your body which may be leading to your migraines such as your neck, shoulders and back. Head pain is often linked to an issue somewhere else in your body, particularly your central nervous system. Chiropractic can treat these issues and the results are long-lasting and effective.

What medications are available?

Medication is the most instant treatment for your migraines, and there are a lot of options available. This includes sumatriptan, which aims to counter the chemical imbalance that often causes swelling and throbbing in the head.

Imigran is another effective treatment, which stimulates receptors in the brain that reduce the swelling of blood vessels relieving pressure. Both of these treatments work on alleviating your migraine within 30 minutes.

Other medications are also available, including imigran in the form of a nasal spray.

Find all of these effective medications and more at Express Pharmacy

Science has never truly been able to pin down the exact reasons why we experience migraines. Many of us will know from our own experiences that certain factors can trigger this often debilitating condition, but with so much conflicting anecdotal evidence, how do we know what to change in order to combat the problem?

If you’ve been getting migraines lately and you aren’t sure what has been causing them, have a look at our list to see if anything rings true for you.

1. Hormonal changes in women

Studies have found that migraines affect women at a rate three times higher than they affect men. On average, 1 in 5 women are plagued by migraines compared to 1 in 15 men. The difference is likely due to the hormonal fluctuations that women experience throughout their menstrual cycle.

Many women who suffer from menstrual related migraines will experience them in the few days before or after their cycle, but others experience them at other times within the month. It may be useful to keep a diary of your menstrual cycle and any migraines you experience – if they seem to occur at a regular time each month, it is likely that they are triggered by the fluctuations of oestrogen in your body.

For many women, migraines symptoms abate once they experience the menopause. On the flip side, the menopause can also trigger migraines in women who have never experienced them before, or even make them worse for long-term sufferers.

2. Emotional triggers

Migraines can also be triggered by a wide range of emotions, regardless of gender. Perhaps most commonly, stress and anxiety are emotions which can trigger migraines in some people, with those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders reporting increased experience of migraines. Shock and even sometimes excitement are also potential triggers. It can be hard to pin down exactly which emotion is making you ill, so it may be useful to think about the events surrounding your migraine in more general terms.

Planning a holiday and getting bad news, for example, may seem like completely separate events on the surface – however, more generally, they can both be described as stressful. Thinking in this way may help you establish what has been causing your migraines.

3. Physical triggers

It is not just strong emotions that can cause migraines – physical factors can also be potential triggers. Sleep, or lack thereof, is one major cause of migraines amongst many people. Whether it is poor quality sleep – think an uncomfortable position or many interruptions – or just plain exhaustion, many people report that tiredness is a migraine trigger for them.

Shift workers, or other people who sleep irregularly, can experience migraines a lot more than other people for this reason. Even jet lag can result in a migraine! Some types of joint pain, such as that in the neck or shoulder which is caused by poor posture, can cause tension and lead to migraines too. It is also worth pointing out that strenuous exercise, for those who are unfit or otherwise not used to working out, can potentially trigger migraines and other health problems. For that reason, it is best to start slowly when exercising for the first time or after a long break or injury.

4. Dietary triggers

Perhaps an easier trigger to pin down is food. Eating certain foods can cause almost immediate migraines for some people. Chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and even alcohol are common triggers, but some are a little harder to avoid.

The food additive tyramine, found in pork and fermented foods such as aged cheese, soy products and yoghurt, has been linked to migraines in people who are sensitive to it. As it is tyramine which is linked to migraines, not the food which contains it, many people do not realise that they have this sensitivity. If you’re experiencing migraines at mealtimes but can’t link them to one particular food, try cutting down on tyramine-rich foods and see if it makes a difference.

Other less-specific dietary triggers include dehydration and missed or irregular meals.

5. Environmental triggers

For some people, migraines may occur due to changes in the environment. Flashing, bright lights or flickering screens are common triggers for both migraine sufferers and people with other neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Additionally, strong smells, smoke and generally stuffy environments can cause migraine attacks.

Even environmental changes more generally, such as high humidity or the cold, can be a problem for some people. Much like with the other triggers, it is important to consider every aspect of the atmosphere surrounding your migraine – even something as mundane as the weather. This could be key in figuring out why you’re experiencing this potentially incapacitating problem.

Whatever you may attribute your migraines to, it is important never to suffer in silence. Take a look at our migraine medications such as Sumatriptan and Zomig today. Or why not consult with one of our experienced pharmacists for more valuable advice and information?

Often seen as a glorified headache, the migraine is deemed to be a poor excuse for a sick day and an easy way out for someone who wants to get out of work, but as chronic sufferers will tell you, the condition can be particularly debilitating with its symptoms making even everyday tasks difficult.

What exactly is a migraine?

Whilst symptoms vary from person to person, a migraine is generally classed as a severe headache with throbbing pain to the front or side of the head. More common in women than men, migraines typically begin in early adulthood and can strike occasionally or more frequently depending on their type. Migraines are associated with a range of additional symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, body temperature fluctuations, excessive perspiration, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

In more severe cases, migraine sufferers have experienced paralysis, slurred speech, fever, seizures, mental confusion and double vision with the condition itself pointing to more serious ailments such as meningitis.

What should employees know?

Whether your migraines are days, months or years apart, chances are you won’t want to let them get in the way of your career ambitions. But as an employee it is your responsibility to declare migraines as an existing medical condition on your application form.

Unfortunately, regular sufferers may require considerable time off work to handle the debilitating symptoms of migraines. For that reason, it is imperative that you fully disclose the nature of your condition to avoid the risk of disciplinary procedures associated with extended absences.

There are various steps you can take to reduce the frequency of migraines and limit the effects of symptoms in and around the workplace. Under Health and Safety guidelines, your employer should also make reasonable adjustments to assist you in your endeavours, no matter how big or small the organisation.

Handling migraines

Understanding the symptoms and any possible triggers associated with your condition is the first and most important step to finding an effective solution for the reduction of migraines, a process that can take many sufferers some time. There is no cure for migraines, but keeping a diary can help determine what prompts episodes, what factors make symptoms better to manage or more difficult, and what, if any, warning signs are present.

Every migraine sufferer is different, but shortly before a migraine you may find that you experience unusual cravings, heightened senses, increased irritability, mental confusion or speech difficulties. There are also certain triggers associated with the onset of a migraine, with the consumption of sugary snacks, dairy products and caffeinated drinks a common cause. Being exposed to strong scents and staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time without a break can also lead to migraines.

Drinking lots of water and opting for snacks that stabilise blood sugar levels can stop migraines in their tracks. Similarly, investing in an anti-glare filter for your computer, taking regular breaks, getting some fresh air, avoiding bright sunlight and calling on a few relaxing, deep breathing exercises can also offer light relief. Remember you don’t have to suffer in silence, medical assistance is available via both your GP and qualified pharmacists.

If you are looking for migraine treatment to help you handle your condition, Express Pharmacy has a range of migraine medications, available for home delivery the very next day.

There are many different migraine relief treatments on the market, but knowing which option is best for alleviating the crippling pain of your migraines can be tricky.

Let’s take a closer look at two of the more popular treatments, Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan.

How do Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan work?

Although the cause of migraines is not fully understood, it is thought that the symptoms may come from the widening of blood vessels in the brain.

Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan are both in the ‘triptan’ or 5HT class of drugs, used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks and cluster headaches. 5HT medicines stimulate the receptors of serotonin in the brain, causing blood vessels to narrow and pain to subside.

How long do Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan take to work?

Pain relief is typically faster with Rizatriptan than Sumatriptan. When taken in tablet form, Rizatriptan (10mg) can be expected to take effect in as little as 30 minutes. Sumatriptan (100mg) typically takes nearer to an hour to offer effective relief from migraine symptoms, with results peaking between two to for hours after the dose.

In roughly 80% of patients, both medications significantly reduce within two hours.

Both Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan should only be taken once the symptoms of migraine appear, and should not be used as a preventative measure against migraines.

Are there any side effects to either Sumatriptan or Rizatriptan?

Both Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan can cause similar side effects. The most commonly reported complaints are: mild headache (not a migraine), dry mouth, mild nausea, pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, and redness or mild tingling under the skin.

Should a migraine sufferer experience any other side affects after taking either of these medications, such as swelling of the face or lips, tightness of the chest or any blue tinges to the skin, it is important to stop taking the tablets and seek medical attention immediately.

How much do they cost?

Rizatriptan prices start from around £11 for 3 tablets of 5mg through Express Pharmacy, with prices varying depending on quantity and dosage. Sumatriptan starts at around £10 for 6 tablets of 50mg. Branded Sumatriptan (Imigran) is also offered as a nasal spray through Express Pharmacy, costing £27 for two 10mg sprays.

How effective are Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan?

Patient reviews state that both drugs are effective at reliving the symptoms of migraine. However, Rizatriptan is regarded as a faster-acting drug that achieves longer lasting results..

Express Head Pharmacist, Daman Bhamra, says: “Migraines are painful and debilitating for anyone, but some will suffer more than others. For those who find no relief from traditional painkillers such as paracetamol and ibruprofen, there are other treatments out there that are very effective.

“Both Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan are migraine specific treatments and are extremely effective at eliminating the symptoms of migraine. The treatments work most effectively when taken early, so its is recommended to have the medicine in your home ready for an attack, if you are a known sufferer of migraines.

“However, it’s important to remember that these medications only ease the symptoms, they do not treat the underlying cause of the migraine. If you are worried about any headaches you’ve been experiencing, or if they are new for you and accompanied by vomiting, changes to your vision or other suspicious symptoms, our pharmacists are able to offer helpful advice.”

If you want to find out more about which migraine treatment might be best for you, talk to one of our qualified pharmacists today, on 0208 123 0703, or visit our website to find out more www.expresspharmacy.co.uk.

According to statistics from health and medical research charity The Migraine Trust, there are 190,000 migraine attacks in the UK every single day. And with 8 millions sufferers in the UK alone, it is the most common neurological condition.

A symptom of abnormal brain activity, migraines can attack with great intensity and debilitating results. These often include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Intolerance for light, noise or smells
• Inability to function properly

As many as 1 in 5 victims of migraines are even afflicted by visual or auditory hallucinations known as aura, but the effects of migraines can be wide ranging. It is for this reason that migraines are often misunderstood or misrepresented in the public eye.

How long do migraines last?

The duration of a migraine can vary hugely. Some people are relatively fortunate and suffer from headaches that last an hour or two; others can be afflicted for days.

Post-migraine fatigue can still affect an individual’s ability to work, exercise or function normally for days after the worst of the pain has subsided.

What triggers a migraine?

Again, it is difficult to pigeon-hole the triggers for migraines because they can be wide ranging and vary from person to person. There is also much that is still unknown about migraines, which can make it hard to diagnose, predict or treat. Some of the most common triggers are:

• Stress
• Tiredness
• Trauma
• Period onset
• Foods

More common than epilepsy, asthma and diabetes combined, migraines attacks two people every second of the day on average in Britain. And due to close connections with period problems they are thought to affect twice as many women as men.

The damage done by migraines

Despite being so widespread, migraines receive less funding than almost any other neurological illness. This is an astounding figure when we consider the social and economic damage caused by migraines.

It is estimated that depression is three times more common in people with migraines or severe headaches than in healthy individuals. Due to a lack of awareness and appreciation for the implications of migraines, less than half of sufferers consult their GP about headache issues. Nevertheless, the annual cost of migraine medication in this country is £150million per year.

Here are some more shocking migraine stats:

• 25million working days are lost due to migraine-related sick days
• Migraine-related sick leave is thought to cost £2.25billion a year

How can migraines be treated?

Sadly, there is no definitive cure for migraines. and although sufferers have tried everything from cycling to electro-therapy to reduce their onset, there are no guarantees of resolving the problem altogether. Instead, there are a number of tried and tested steps that can help reduce frequency and intensity. These include:

• Taking steps to de-stress
• Maintaining a good sleep routine
• Avoiding strain on the eyes
• Eating a balanced diet and avoiding any trigger foods
• Keeping coffee consumption to a minimum
• Staying hydrated

There are also some effective prescription medications on the market today to combat the effects of migraines. These include, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmtriptan and a number of other variations on these migraine relief medications.