Migraine
Dr. Mit Ankur Raval
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent attacks of headache and associated symptoms. Some patients experience aura; others have prominent nausea or light/sound sensitivity.
Typical features.
Headache
Moderate or severe headache may be unilateral or pulsating and often worsens with routine activity.
Associated symptoms
Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound are common.
Aura
Some patients experience fully reversible visual, sensory, speech or other aura symptoms.
Diagnosis
Migraine is usually diagnosed clinically from the history and examination.
Prevention
Preventive treatment is considered when attacks are frequent, disabling or otherwise warrant reducing headache burden.
Lifestyle
Regular sleep, meals, hydration and exercise can complement medical treatment.
Acute treatment + prevention + review.
Acute treatment
Treatment of an individual attack may include analgesic or migraine-specific medicines depending on the patient.
Preventive treatment
Current options include conventional preventive therapies and CGRP-targeting therapies.
Medication overuse
Frequent acute medication use can contribute to persistent headache in susceptible patients.
Botulinum toxin
OnabotulinumtoxinA is an established preventive option for appropriately diagnosed chronic migraine.
Patient questions
Do all headaches need an MRI?
When is headache an emergency?
Can migraine be prevented?
Book a neurological consultation.
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