Migraine
Symptoms of Migraine
‘Classical’
migraine is not the most common variety but is well described in the
medical literature. There is an initial set of warning symptoms such
as visual disturbance, altered sense of smell or confusion. This is
followed by severe headache, throbbing in nature and often one sided.
Attacks are often on different sides on different occasions.
Associated symptoms may include nausea or vomiting which makes treatment
very difficult as medication will not stay down. There is often sensitivity
to light and sounds and sufferers often want to lie down in a darkened
room and be left alone.
Many patients just experience a different headache without the other
symptoms.
Children may suffer a variety of this condition called ‘abdominal
migraine’ with no headache.
Diagnosis of Migraine
Diagnosis is based on the history and the pattern
of the headaches. A neurological examination is usually adequate for
confirmation, but further investigations such as scans or test on the
electrical activity of the brain may be necessary in some cases.
As there are many triggers, a diary of the headaches can often not only
confirm the diagnosis, but also point towards the cause and help identify
foods or situations to avoid.
Patients with persistent headaches or headaches that are present on waking
should be referred to a neurologist to exclude other conditions.
