If you suffer from migraines, you’re not alone. We talked to Mo Ojeniran, Pharmacy Manager at Pembina West Co-op in Barrhead, Alta., about migraines, their symptoms and what your pharmacist can do to help.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache which presents with other symptoms that can last between four to 72 hours. Migraines can affect both adults and children and are more common in women than men. The most common types are migraine with aura and migraine without aura.
“An aura is a symptom or feeling that happens before or during the migraine,” explained Ojeniran.
Each person's aura is different, but in most cases, the aura affects vision, causing someone to see flashing lights, bright spots, or zig-zag lines, or to lose part of their vision. Aura can also result in numbness and tingling of the lips, lower face and fingers. Some people hear sounds or have ringing in their ears. Aura usually lasts a few minutes to an hour and then goes away.
The most common symptoms of a migraine are:
- Headache which usually worsens over several hours and is commonly throbbing. It often affects one side of the head.
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and noise.
Many people get other symptoms that occur several hours or even a day before the headache appears. They may include yawning, feeling depressed or irritable, food cravings, constipation or a stiff neck.
What causes migraines?
The specific cause of migraine is unknown but genetic factors are likely involved. Some people find that their migraines are triggered by certain factors, but Ojeniran noted that avoiding common triggers can reduce the chances of developing a migraine. These triggers can include:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Skipping meals or not eating enough
- Changes in the weather
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Bright or flashing lights
- Drinking alcohol
- Certain drinks or foods such as red wine, aged cheese and hot dogs
How are migraines treated?
Mild migraines are often treated with over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. Severe migraines are treated with a variety of prescription medications.
To treat an acute migraine, you may be prescribed medication for use only when needed to stop an ongoing attack from continuing or getting worse. For more severe migraines, preventative migraine treatment is taken regularly to help reduce frequency.
“There are also non-drug options that can help manage migraines such as avoiding triggers, relaxation therapy, and psychotherapy, which are individualized to the patient,” said Ojeniran.
Taking over-the-counter pain medication or other migraine medication too often can cause more headaches later which are referred to as rebound migraines.
What is my pharmacist’s role in migraine management?
Your pharmacist can be a valuable resource in migraine management.
They can help recognize the headaches that are amenable to self-treatment and those that require referral to a physician. The pharmacist can provide information on acute attacks and preventive therapy, including non-drug measures. Your pharmacist will provide information about common side effects as well as what to do if you experience adverse effects from medications to treat your migraine.
Your pharmacist may suggest keeping a headache calendar to track every time you have a migraine and what you ate and did before it started to find out if there is anything you should avoid eating or doing.
Work with your pharmacist to find a migraine management regime that works for you.