Having a headache can be really frustrating. And it's even worse when your headaches never seem to go away.
Migraine is the third most common disease in the world. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 people suffer from this condition. In Singapore, the prevalence of migraine is 9.3%. [1]
They are severe headaches that cause throbbing pain at the front or the back of the face. It can be made worst by any slight movements. Some people might also experience symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. [2]
So, what are the most common causes of migraines? How can you manage the pain and other effects? Neurologist Dr Ho King Hee responded to many migraine-related questions on Human.
Here's what he had to share.
Migraines can cause stiff necks
People often think that a stiff neck is the cause of a migraine.
However, according to Dr Ho, if your neck is only stiff when a migraine occurs, it's more likely that your migraine is causing you to get a stiff neck.
Therefore, he suggests that you seek treatment for your migraine and not the neck.
However, if your neck is chronically stiff, seeing a physiotherapist might help.
Sometimes, it could be a sinus headache
Sinus headaches may seem like migraines at first but there are differences between the two. Typically, sinus headaches produce pain in the front of the face which gets worse when you bend forward.
In addition, excessive nasal discharge is experienced which is often followed by a viral infection and a blocked nose.
People with migraines might be very sensitive to lights
Different individuals can have different triggers for migraines.
Triggers can include bright lights (among many other things) and migraine sufferers may report having an 'aura' (a focal symptom before a headache).
Individuals who are prone to migraines should take preventive measures
If migraine symptoms such as dizziness, sensitivity to light and headaches that occur at the front of the head are happening frequently, it's advisable to take preventive measures and make sure severity and frequency are minimised.
Oral medication can help effectively curb migraines
Treatment for migraines is often made up of daily preventive medication prescribed by medical experts.
The trick is to use it consistently for a longer period of time (roughly 6 months). There are no guaranteed cures for migraines but the condition is treatable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding the causes and triggers of migraines can help, especially if you're prone to severe attacks that come frequently.
Seek proper treatment and remember that consistency can be the key to ridding yourself of this pesky ailment.
Article medically reviewed by Dr Ho King Hee.
