Migraine MANAGEMENT

Migraine - the pain is at best, indescribable and at worst, debilitating. A migraine attack can last from a few hours up to several days. It has been reported that up to 1 billion people globally suffer from this headache disorder, which is a cause for concern.

Disclaimer: Image above is for illustrative purposes only. Due to strict regulations from the Ministry of Health, licensed healthcare practices in Singapore are not allowed to show and share before-and-after photos or videos in the public domain (websites, social media, magazines) or through any form of push technology such as Whatsapp, SMS, MMs, Facebook messenger, and other messaging platforms. “Before-and-after” or only “after” treatment photographs, pictures, videos, and films relating to a treatment may be shown to patients privately during in-clinic consultation with Dr. Ivan Puah.

Where does it hurt?

Migraine is classified as a headache disorder and the common areas where the pain starts are the forehead, the sides (temple) and around the eyes. The cause is likely to stem from nerves and blood vessels in the head. It starts out as a pounding pain and gradually getting worse. Aggravating factors, which escalate the pain, come in the forms of bright lights, noise and even body movements.

How long do migraines last for?

A typical migraine can last for hours or even up to days (4 – 72 hours). Most migraineurs, people who suffer from migraines, experience such attacks about once or twice a month. Those who suffer from its chronic version are affected at least 15 days out of the month.

What triggers migraines?

There are several contributing factors. These include:
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• Physical exhaustion
• Medications
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Hormonal changes including menopause
• Environmental factors that affect the senses and also including weather changes

Is stress a cause of migraines?

Yes. Stress is a trigger as it does cause emotional changes. Although for chronic sufferers, the stress can be of the everyday variety, most of than not, it is life-changing events that trigger migraine attacks. These include otherwise celebratory events, like getting married, having a baby and moving into a new house.

How do I know if it is a migraine?

A migraine onset may be similar to an intense headache and thus may be difficult to differentiate. There are, however, symptoms typically associated with a migraine. These include:
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• Sensitivity to light, sound and even smells
• Nausea and vomitingPain around the eyes and also, the temples
• Visual auras such as seeing spots, lines or flickering lights
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If you are unsure and particularly, if it is a recurring event, then do seek a doctor’s advice.

Different categories of migraine

There are generally two categories of migraines - one with aura and another without. The definition of an “aura” here is to mean sensations that an individual experiences before a migraine attack.

These include:
• Experiencing blind spots
• Experiencing tunnel vision
• Seeing flashing or flickering lights, spots or lines
• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Vertigo or dizziness
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Some individuals may also experience early symptoms (prodrome) such as:
• Irritability
• Depression
• Frequent yawning
• Increased need to urinate
• Food cravings
• Inability to concentrate or focus

How to ease a migraine?

While migraine can be debilitating, here are a few relief methods that may help to reduce the pain:

Find a quiet and dark place to sit
Reduction in light and noise does help to ease tensions.
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Ice compression
Cold compression will help to provide some relief and comfort.

Massage your temples
Gentle massage is therapeutic, soothing away tensions.
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Meditate
Try, if you can, to meditate with controlled breathing.Hydrate – This should be a regular habit as being dehydrated is also a trigger for migraine.
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Injection is also a treatment option for affected individuals.

How is an injection suitable as a treatment for migraine?

The use of an injectable can help reduce migraine symptoms such as headaches, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, and vomiting. The injectable relaxes the muscles and this, in turn, may also help in disabling the pain transmitters.

How soon can results be expected?

Most people experience results within the first week after treatment, and it lasts for about 3 to 4 months. A patient should go for a follow-up treatment when the effects wear off.

Who can perform injections for migraine?

Only doctors should and can perform injectables. Dr. Ivan Puah, Medical Director Amaris B. Clinic, has a Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from the NUS National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Diploma in Acupuncture from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB). He is also the Merz Appointed Trainer for injectables.

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