Your essential migraine guide

MIGRAINE affects one in seven people – that’s over eight million people in the UK alone – making it more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.

The World Health Organisation recognises it as one of the most disabling lifetime conditions, yet awareness and understanding is low. To mark Migraine Awareness Week, check out our ultimate guide... first 20 minutes are critical in order to prevent a migraine from spreading throughout the entire nervous system.

works by numbing the pain and cooling the blood passing through the vessels – 77% of people who used cold therapy during a migraine found it to be effective.

“It’s possible that acupuncture helps to stimulate electromagnetic signals in the body to release chemicals that dull pain,” says Dr Morrison.

To find a local practitioner, visit British Acupuncture Council: acupuncture.org.uk

Clinical studies found that dried Feverfew leaf reduces both the frequency and intensity of migraines,” says Dr Dick Middleton, pharmacist and chair of the British Herbal Medicine Association (www. bhma.inf). “Feverfew extract does not show the same beneficial effect. It is important to take the dried herb continuously for several months to see maximum benefit.” (Try Natures Aid Migra-eeze containing 100 mg of dried Feverfew herb - £9.95 for 60 – www.naturesaid.co.uk).

“A 2012 study showed that people who inhaled lavender oil during a migraine attack for 15 minutes, experienced faster relief than those who inhaled a placebo,” says Dr Morrison. – Deficiency of magnesium is linked to headaches and migraines. “Studies show magnesium oxide supplementation helps prevent migraines with aura and may prevent menstrual-related migraines,” says Dr Morrison. (Betteryou Magnesium Oil Spray offers fast absorption through the skin directly into the bloodstream). “Botulinum toxin is a licensed and FDA approved treatment for chronic migraines,” says Dr Maryam Zamani, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor at the Cadogan Clinic www.cadoganclinic.com.

“It works by relaxing overactive muscles preventing the activation of pain networks in the brain,” he explains. “When injected in specific areas on the head and neck, the effects last up to six months.”

“Research shows that Omega 3 fatty acids can effectively reduce inflammation in the body, so taking a high quality omega 3 supplement such as Unocardio 1000 (£33.75 from www.water-for-health. co.uk) could help to reduce the pain, frequency and severity of migraines,” says Naturopathic Nutritionist Amy Morris. “Indeed, a 2002 study of adolescents who took fish oil found that they had fewer migraines, shorter headaches and less severe migraine headaches.” Keep a diary to identify triggers, says Dr John Janssen, consultant neurologist at Re:cognition Health, www.recognitionhealth. com. Record the duration, success or not of medications, severity of headache, menstrual cycle (if applicable), the location and type of pain, symptoms

(vomiting, noise/ light sensitivity) and the ability to perform tasks, e.g. not being able to walk, work etc. Review key lifestyle factors that may also be playing a part in the onset of a migraine including diet, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration and exercise. Review your painkillers: painkillers Taking a lot of can paradoxically make the situation worse by causing medication overuse headache so consult your GP. Eat at regular hours: “Women in particular going through the phases of the menstrual cycle or changes in their lives (pregnancy or menopause), experience seem to a higher recurrence headaches of and migraines,” says Glenville, Dr Marilyn nutritionist and women’s expert health (www.marilynglenville.com).

“To balance your hormones, eat at regular hours, include lots of protein and whole grains, and limit your sugar intake to prevent sugar highs and lows.”