Migraine is a common condition that affects your brain and nervous system.
The main symptom is a severe headache on 1 side of your head. There are things you can do to manage the symptoms of migraine.
Check if it's migraine
The most common symptom of a migraine attack is moderate or severe headache. The headache feels like throbbing pain on 1 side of your head.
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- you cannot work due to the pain
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work
You may have other symptoms before or after the headache, such as:
- feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
- sensitivity to movement, light, sound or smell
Other symptoms can depend on the type of migraine, such as:
- migraine without aura - an intense headache but no warning signs
- migraine with aura - includes warning signs before the attack such as seeing flashing lights
- silent migraine - aura or other migraine symptoms but no headache
The symptoms can appear in stages.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have:
- severe migraine symptoms that do not improve with painkillers you can buy without a prescription
- more than 5 migraine attacks in a month
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance if
you or someone else has:
- paralysis or weakness in 1 or both arms, or 1 side of the face
- slurred or garbled speech
- a sudden, very painful headache unlike anything you had before
- headache with a high temperature (fever), stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision and a rash
These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition.
What happens at your appointment
Your GP may do a physical examination and ask you:
- about your symptoms and when they happen
- if other people in your family have migraine
- to keep a diary of your symptoms
Treating migraine
There is no cure for migraine. But treatment can help to reduce the symptoms.
Medicines include:
- painkillers - including medicines you can buy without a prescription, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- triptans - these help reverse changes in the brain linked to migraine
- anti-sickness medicines (anti-emetics) - to relieve feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
Try not to use the maximum dosage of painkillers more than 2 days a week. This could make it harder to treat headaches over time.
During a migraine attack, it may help to:
- sleep or lie in a dark room
- drink enough water
- use cold packs or heat packs
Migraine treatment and prevention
Preventing migraine attacks
To help prevent migraine attacks:
- avoid any triggers you can identify
- stick to a sleep routine - tips for sleep problems
- eat a healthy, balanced diet and do not skip meals
- be active
- stay hydrated
- limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol
Your GP may also prescribe medicines, such as:
- anti-seizure medicine (topiramate)
- high blood pressure medicine (propranolol)
It may take several weeks before symptoms improve.
Causes of migraine
Migraine is a common condition. It affects around 1 in 5 women and around 1 in 15 men. It usually begins in early adulthood.
We do not know the exact causes of migraine, but they may include:
- temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain
- your genes - around half of people who have migraine have a close relative with the condition
Some people with migraine find certain things can trigger a migraine attack. For example, stress.
Causes of migraine and common triggers
Outlook for migraine
Migraine can affect your quality of life. Migraine attacks can stop you doing everyday activities. Some people find they need to stay in bed for days.
Some people have attacks often. Other people only have an attack sometimes. It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.
Migraine attacks can sometimes get worse over time. But most people find they improve over many years.
Complications of migraine
People with migraine may be more at risk of ischaemic strokes or mental health difficulties. But the risk is small.
Migraine and stigma
Stigma happens when there are negative beliefs about migraine. You may worry about stigma or experience stigma from other people.
This could be that people:
- do not understand your symptoms
- think that migraine is "just a headache"
- judge you if you take days off or avoid activities
Stigma can lead to isolation or unfair treatment at work, school, or in the healthcare system. It can cause stress and make it hard to manage your triggers. You may also feel the need to hide your symptoms or condition.
Talking therapies can help with stress or anxiety related to migraine.
You are not alone in experiencing stigma. If you feel isolated or unable to cope, it is important to get support.
Support for migraine
There are organisations that offer advice and support for people with migraine:
The Drugs Payment Scheme can help if you or your family pay more than €80 a month for approved medicines.
Living Well programme
Living Well is a free self-management programme for people with a long-term health condition. It provides workshops and resources to help you manage your condition better.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
