Migraine Facts
Migraine Facts
- 500,000 people in Ireland have frequent headaches/migraines.
- 90% patients attending GP with headache have migraine.
- Migraine affects at least 25% of women & 8% of men.
- Migraine tends to run in families.
- Disability and cost to patients is significant.
- Estimated cost in EU of €27 billion per year.
- WHO ranks as 12th leading cause of disability in women.
Source- “Migraine Information for Patients” developed by Beaumont and Mater Headache Teams.
Triggers
Triggers
- Hunger, dehydration
- Stress - positive or negative stress
- Caffeine – too much / withdrawal
- Sleeping in or sleep deprivation
- Strong smells
- Exertion - exercise, coughing, sneezing, bending
- Hormones - puberty, periods, pregnancy, menopause
- Alcohol
- Travel, holidays
Source- “Migraine Information for Patients” developed by Beaumont and Mater Headache Teams.
General Advice
General Advice
- Most important step is correct diagnosis (most patients have migraine).
- Keep a diary (how often, how disabling, what medication).
- Think about your symptoms.
- Take painkillers early in the attack (no more than 3 days per month), do not use Painkillers, or Triptans too frequently.
- Treat early with the right drug and correct dose.
- Add in an anti-sickness drug.
- Identify and avoid triggers.
Source- “Migraine Information for Patients” developed by Beaumont and Mater Headache Teams.
Treatment – acute
Treatment – acute
Source- “Migraine Information for Patients” developed by Beaumont and Mater Headache Teams
Treatment – preventative
Treatment – preventative
When & How to use preventative treatment?
Disabling headache >5-6 days/month.
If patient overusing acute/abortive treatment (>5-6 days/month).
• Frequent mild/moderate headache.
• Start at lowest dose & titrate to maximum effective/tolerated dose.
• Increase dose every 2-8 weeks (or slower if side effects).
• Need to be on preventative at sufficient dose for minimum of 6 months.
• Choice of preventative depends on individual patient & co-morbidity.
Source- “Migraine Information for Patients” developed by Beaumont and Mater Headache Teams.
