When Suzi Brown from Manchester started experiencing excruciating pain around puberty she knew something wasn’t right, but never expected to suffer for decades later
Headaches can be debilitating, whether they are linked to allergies, hormones, caffeine or hypertension. Perhaps the hardest to cope with are migraines, which cause mild to severe pain, typically affecting one side of the head. They can also impact your vision and make you feel incredibly sick.
Doctor Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics (cosmedics.co.uk), says, “Migraines area unique kind of headache, often characterised by pain on one side of the head, nausea, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or temporary tunnel vision. You may also experience an aura,a sensation indicating that a migraine is about to occur.
“The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they’re thought to be triggered by spasms of blood vessels in the brain or neck area. Factors like stress, alcohol and dehydration can exacerbate them, but sometimes they can happen for no apparent reason.”
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Doctor Perry explains that preventive treatments are the main approach to managing migraines, with medications available to help prevent their onset. Migraines may start when young girls get their first period, but they can begin at any time. They can persist throughout the reproductive years and into menopause.
Doctor Ross adds, “Sadly, there’s not much you can do as it’s often down to genetics. However, certain measures can help manage the onset and severity, such as staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids.“
Drinking water and engaging in regular exercise can also help alleviate migraines triggered by hormones. It’s recommended to manage stress levels through breathing exercises or yoga.”
As June marks Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, we spoke to web developer Suzi Brown, 46, from Manchester, who suffered for years before finding the perfect and unexpected cure.
“I started suffering from migraines around puberty. I remember telling my mum my head felt really heavy when I was about nine years old. For me, they feel like a vice is crushing my head, and I feel sick and dizzy at the same time. I get brain fog and memory loss, both during and after.
“The worst thing is not being able to plan – they happen without warning. I missed a festival last year because I had to leave early. Alcohol makes them worse, too. I’ve even had to miss family holidays abroad.
“I missed tons of work before I was self-employed, and people made comments that I was lying because it’s not a disability that can be seen – although you can see when I have one, as my face and eyes are really puffy.
“It’s much easier now I’m self-employed. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I work for myself. If I do have to take time off, I can make up the hours, and I’m in control of my workload.
“If I catch migraines early, they can last a few hours. I take meds during the night if I feel one coming, and they’re usually gone by morning. If I don’t, they can last a few days or even a week.
“To manage them, I now get Botox which takes away about 80% of the migraines. I don’t know how it works, but I’m thankful it does. I get some Botox on the NHS, so although it’s meant to be every three to six months, it’s nearer to every year due to waiting lists. So I top this up privately when I can.
“The doctor has added the sides of the head and, last time, the forehead. The latter hasn’t worked,but it did wonders for my wrinkles!”