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WHAT IS IT? MIGRAINE HEADACHES

A vascular headache is typically termed a ‘migraine’.  A history of 5 or more similar headaches is necessary to be diagnosed as a migraine sufferer.

 

Signs and symptoms

  • Sudden onset
  • Inability to carry on with normal activities of daily living
  • One sided
  • Throbbing nature
  • Nausea
  • Visual disturbances (loss peripheral vision, flashing) onset 20 min before headache
  • Vertigo
  • Duration of hours
  • Aggravated by climbing stairs
  • Eased with migraine medication
  • Eased with vomiting

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​WHAT CAUSES IT?
  • Triggers such as sensitivity to light, smells, foods, noise
  • Possible family history
  • Medication (endocrine – oral contraceptive, HRT, or vasodilators)
  • Stress
  • Tiredness 

 

HOW TO SELF MANAGE

  • Medication (eg sumatriptan or aspirin)

  • Lie in dark room

  • Identify triggers and avoid them

 

 

PROGNOSIS

  • Likely to be an ongoing issue

  • Trigger identification is important

  • Patients generally become good at sensing the onset and manage their condition appropriately (often with medication).  

HOW PHYSIO HELPS?

  • Joint mobilisation of the ankle, subtalar and foot joints

  • Electrotherapy

  • Massage and deep transverse frictions

  • Acupuncture

  • Ankle mobility exercises

  • Strengthening exercises

  • Proprioceptive exercises

  • Review of activity, modification of, and then progressive return to sport

  • Referral for x-ray or orthopaedic investigation if necessary

 

 

 

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