Women and migraines

THE fact that three out of every four persons struck with a migraine are women has resulted in this condition being considered the most common disabling problem faced by women globally that results in them having to see a doctor.

This week, family physician Dr Jacqueline Campbell sheds some light on migraines in women. It’s a situation which she is all too familiar with, as she herself suffers from this condition.

Here are some of the most common questions women ask about migraines.

What are migraines and who gets them?

It is a severe type of headache that is accompanied by other changes apart from just pain. For example, some persons might feel nauseous, some persons may actually vomit and, some persons may have visual changes like blurred vision or flashing lights. Some persons also have numbness on one side of their body.

While the causes of migraines are still not known, researchers say that those with a family history of migraine are more likely to have it. This is also the case for those who have a history of depression, anxiety, stroke or high blood pressure.

Why do more women than men suffer from migraines?

Researchers have noted that migraines mostly affect women who are between the ages of 15 and 55 years old. However, there are no definitive reasons as to why. “It could be hormonal, but I couldn’t give you a good explanation for that,” said Dr Campbell.

What are some of the things that trigger migraines?

Food allergies, bright lights, loud nights, strong odours, weather changes, hormonal changes during menstruation, lack of or too much sleep, stress and anxiety, caffeine, skipped meals, alcohol can be triggers.

Food additives like dyes are usually important triggers. For some people it’s chocolate, for others, citrus. MSG is a culprit too.

What is the difference between a migraine headache and a bad tension headache?

There are several other types of headaches besides migraines. There is the tension headache, for example, which is less severe and debilitating.

“For a tension headache, the presentation is going to be different. That has to be a sort of a clinical diagnosis, but usually with a tension headache, the headaches come as a result of spasm of the muscles in the head,” explained Dr Campbell. “But to determine which is which, one ought to be examined by a physician.”

What can I do to ease my migraine pain?

While there is no cure, there are certain medications that can help to ease the pain. It is always important to be diagnosed by a doctor who can prescribe these treatments. However, magnesium, fish oil and guinea hen weed are generally helpful. The doctor said she personally uses guinea hen weed.

“I get the root of the guinea hen weed, wash it, chop it up, throw rum on it, and if I feel a headache coming on, I inhale it,” she said.