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Every shared experience helps us identify headache diagnoses and effective treatments more quickly!
Migraine Facts
There are facts behind the pain
Migraine is not a simple diagnosis – it is a complex neurological condition.
4-
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hours is how long a migraine attack lasts
4 -
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years pass between the first visit to the doctor and the diagnosis
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per cent of the population suffer from migraine
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Migraines cannot be detected using medical imaging
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One in four households is affected by migraines
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One in twenty children suffers from migraines
Types of headache & treatment approaches
Clinical presentations
The diagnosis is crucial for accessing treatment. Chronic forms, in particular, often involve mixed headache diagnoses.
Episodic migraine
The pain occurs two days before and three days after the first day of the menstrual period. It is more severe and lasts longer than migraine associated with the female hormonal cycle.
Chronic Migraine
In most cases, the pain occurs in the temples and/or the temporal muscle and/or the jaw. A sensation as if the head is imploding, and/or tooth wear.
Cervicocranial headache
Cervicocranial headache is a type of headache that originates in the cervical spine and neck muscles and often radiates from the neck to the forehead or eyes. Typical symptoms include neck stiffness, restricted mobility and an exacerbation of symptoms due to poor posture or strain on the cervical spine.
Arnold’s neuralgia
Pain at the back of the head, caused by irritation of the greater occipital nerve. Head movements can trigger pain, as this nerve can easily become pinched.
Medication-induced migraine
Caused by a terrible vicious circle: suffering – overuse of medication – worsening of the condition. The second most common type of headache.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headache and usually manifest as a dull, pressing pain in the forehead, temples or neck. They are often triggered by stress, muscle tension, lack of sleep or prolonged poor posture.
Cluster headaches
The pain has a precisely defined point of origin: at the temples or in the inner area of the eyebrow/eye socket. They occur two to three times a day. Men aged between 20 and 50 who smoke are the typical profile of those affected by this condition.
Migraine treatment methods
Treatments
The diagnosis and treatment of headaches is an interdisciplinary process involving general practitioners, neurologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals.
Botulinum toxin injection
A neurotoxin administered in small doses by a specialist. It temporarily paralyses the muscles in the head area and alleviates certain types of migraine. This is particularly relevant for patients whose headaches do not respond to conventional medication.
Treatments during the acute phase
Migraine patients often initially turn to painkillers and NSAIDs during a pain episode. However, these medications are not very effective for pain relief. Depending on the type of headache the patient has, the doctor will usually prescribe a triptan, which is a very potent vasoconstrictor but is contraindicated in certain cases.
Basic treatment
This approach is considered when migraine attacks occur very frequently and are severely debilitating, and acute treatments are ineffective; or when taking medication too frequently is dangerous. Basic treatment usually involves beta-blockers, anti-epileptics or even antidepressants. CBD and natural dietary supplements may be further options that doctors can consider.
Frontal decompression
This minimally invasive technique is intended for migraine sufferers for whom medication does not provide pain relief. The procedure involves decompressing or relieving pressure on the sensory nerves responsible for the pain. Careful selection of candidates is required for this type of treatment.
News
Exclusive video chat
Exclusive video chat with the Miss Universe contestants
On 6 June, we will be visiting the Global Medical Institute to find out more about its Migraine Treatment Centre.
Workshop
Occipital neuralgia
Pain specialists, neurologists, radiologists: don’t miss out on this unique training opportunity!
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