What is it?

Migraines are severe headaches, usually on one side of the head, that can make you feel sick and affect your sight. They usually happen on and off over the years. One in 10 people have migraines, slightly more women than men. They usually start between 10 and 30 years of age and may get better in middle age.

How did I get it?

No one really knows why migraines happen, but they often run in families. Something, perhaps some of the body's own chemicals, makes blood vessels in your scalp and head squeeze tight, then open again, causing the funny feelings and headache.

What will I feel?

The first sign that a migraine is coming is often a strange feeling of tiredness, being far away or having slight changes in what you see. You may feel hungry, thirsty or start yawning. You may see shimmering or flashing lights, zigzaggy lines, or things will be fuzzy or blurred. This normally starts in the middle of your eye and moves to the outside. These feelings happen when the blood vessels are closing. As the blood vessels open again, you will get a headache on one side of your head. You may feel sick or vomit, get tingling around your mouth, have trouble talking or feel dizzy or weak.

How is it diagnosed?

The symptoms are very particular to migraines. The doctor may do other tests if he or she is worried that the headaches may have another cause. However, migraines are not a sign of a stroke or a tumour, and your doctor will reassure you of this.

What makes it better?

Prevention

• keep a diary of when your migraines happen and try to figure out what sets them off, and avoid it if possible
• eat regularly, particularly plenty of fibre and water
• do relaxation and exercises for stress
• have regular sleep; not too little and no long 'sleep-ins'
• massage, treatment for neck problems, improving posture or acupuncture may help. 

Self-help in an attack

• when you first feel a headache coming on, try to lie down and relax in a dark room
• put a cold pack on your neck or forehead
• take simple pain relief such as aspirin or paracetamol or any other medication your doctor has given you as soon as you can to prevent the headache setting in.

What makes it worse?

• tension, stress, depression, tiredness, hunger, exercise
• hormonal changes (taking the contraceptive pill, having your period)
• food and drink (eg, chocolate, oranges, red wine, cheese)
• changes in the weather or temperature
• strong smells, loud noise, bright or flickering lights.

How can my doctor help?

If the things you try don't help, your doctor may give you stronger pain relief or drugs that close up the blood vessels. This may be a pill, spray, wafer or injection. You may need a drug to stop you feeling sick or vomiting. It is very important to follow instructions when taking your drugs. Too much can make your migraines worse and can be dangerous.

What happens if it is not treated?

You will go on having headaches but will not come to any harm. Migraines are likely to happen again and again.

Original material supplied by New Zealand Migraine Sufferers Support Group. Reviewed by everybody.