screening for migraine

Overview

Migraine is a type of headache disorder that affects the brain and nerves. It causes repeated attacks of moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, along with other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

Yes, migraine is very common. It is one of the most frequent neurological conditions worldwide.

Migraine can affect anyone, but it is about two to three times more common in women than in men. It often starts in the teenage years or early adulthood, but it can appear at any age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights (aura)
• Feeling tired or dizzy

Symptoms in children

• Children may have stomach pain or nausea without a clear headache
• Dizziness or motion sickness
• Pale skin, tiredness, or wanting to lie down in a dark room
• Changes in mood or irritability before the episode

Symptoms in older adults

• The headache may be less severe or less typical
• More likely to have visual changes or balance problems
• Older adults may also have stiffness or neck pain before the headache

Causes

Main causes

• Changes in brain chemicals and nerve signaling
• Activation of the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway in the head
• Genetic factors — migraine often runs in families

Risk factors

• Hormonal changes, especially in women around their periods
• Stress or anxiety
• Irregular sleep or lack of sleep
• Skipped meals or dehydration
• Certain foods and drinks, like aged cheese, alcohol, or caffeine
• Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• Headaches are happening more often and are interfering with your daily life

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have frequent headaches and want to rule out other causes
• Your usual migraine attacks have changed or become more painful
• You need help managing attacks that are not controlled with self-care

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose migraine by talking with you about your symptoms, health history, and family history. They may also do a physical and neurological exam.

Tests that may be done

• There is no blood test or scan that confirms migraine
• Imaging tests like a CT or MRI may be used only to rule out other causes if symptoms are unusual
• Your doctor may ask you to keep a headache diary to track patterns and triggers

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your headaches: how often they happen, how long they last, what the pain feels like, and any other symptoms. They will also ask about your sleep, diet, stress, and any medicines you take.

Treatment

Treatment for migraine is individualised. It usually combines approaches to stop an attack once it starts and strategies to prevent future attacks. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan that fits your life.

Self-care at home

• Rest in a quiet, dark room during an attack
• Apply a cold or warm compress to your head or neck
• Drink small amounts of water if you can
• Avoid bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells
• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing

Medical treatments

For acute attacks, doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medicines that are taken at the first sign of a migraine. For prevention, there are daily medicines and other treatments that can reduce how often attacks happen. Some treatments come as pills, others as injections or nasal sprays. Always talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. Never start or change a medicine without medical advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a standard treatment for migraine. Very rarely, procedures may be considered for severe, long-lasting cases that do not respond to other treatment, but this is uncommon and only after a thorough evaluation.

Living with this condition

Living with migraine often means learning your personal triggers and planning ahead. Keeping a headache diary can help you see patterns. It can also help your doctor adjust your treatment.

Lifestyle tips

• Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends
• Eat regular meals and stay hydrated
• Manage stress with mindfulness, gentle exercise, or talking to someone
• Avoid known triggers, such as certain foods or flashing lights

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular, moderate exercise can help reduce migraine frequency for some people. Staying hydrated and not skipping meals is important. Sudden, very intense exercise can sometimes trigger a migraine, so build up slowly.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Migraine can affect your mood, work, and relationships. It is common to feel anxious or stressed about when the next attack will happen. Talking to your doctor or a mental health professional can be a helpful part of your care.

Prevention

Migraine cannot always be prevented, but many people can reduce the number of attacks by identifying triggers and making lifestyle changes. Some people also need daily preventive treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for migraine, but doctors can screen for it by asking about your symptoms. A headache diary and a thorough check-up can help rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

Complications

If left untreated

• Migraine can become chronic, meaning headaches happen on 15 or more days each month
• Overuse of painkillers can make headaches worse over time
• Migraine can affect your sleep, mood, work, and social life

Long-term outlook

Although migraine can be painful and disruptive, most people can manage it well with the right combination of lifestyle changes and treatment. Many people find that their attacks become less frequent or less severe over time.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.