According to some estimates, nearly one million people in Israel suffer from migraines. A significant portion of them has never received a formal diagnosis, and many self-medicate with over-the-counter medications instead of seeking medical advice to receive optimal care.
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It is reasonable to assume that many of those who use non-prescription medications are unaware of the potential risks involved. Not only does excessive medication use fail to alleviate suffering, but it may also lead to the development of chronic headaches.
What distinguishes various types of migraines?
Migraine headaches can manifest on one side or throughout the entire head, and the severity of attacks can vary. However, a migraine is more than just a head pain; it can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, along with sensitivity to light, noise and in some individuals, specific odors. This sensitivity can either accompany the headache or serve as a trigger: exposure to bright light or certain fragrances can induce an attack.
What is an aura migraine?
In this type of migraine, neurological disturbances appear before the headache, such as visual disturbances, blurred vision, or shimmering in the visual field. Speech disturbances, weakness, and even temporary paralysis can also occur. These symptoms typically last for a few seconds to an hour.
Is migraine a hereditary condition?
Migraine has a genetic basis: often, individuals who suffer from migraines have family members who also experience this condition. Consequently, many people dealing with migraines often rely on advice from their relatives rather than seeking medical consultation to decide which medication to take.
The issue here is that one person's migraine is not identical to another's, even if they are from the same family. Some individuals have infrequent migraine attacks, others experience frequent ones, and some have particularly severe attacks that are not alleviated by over-the-counter painkillers.
Migraines behave differently in various individuals, which is why seeking professional advice is crucial. One of the problems with seeking advice from those around us is that their suggestions may not always suit the patient's needs and can even be harmful. For example, the person offering advice might only take a pill or two a month, but the person receiving the advice might be in a different situation, requiring many more pills, potentially worsening their condition. This could lead to the development of new headaches due to the intake of large quantities of medication.
Hold on, can painkillers cause headaches?
Absolutely. Those who take painkillers in large quantities and without proper oversight are at risk of developing chronic headaches. These headaches differ in nature from migraines; they tend to be more dull, pressing, and less frequent. Typically, they are felt throughout the entire head rather than just on one side, and the pain is mild to moderate but persists throughout the day. The precise mechanism that causes them isn't fully understood, but research indicates that they are undoubtedly a result of excessive medication use.
Which medications can potentially cause these headaches?
The most concerning are those containing opioids. These substances can lead to both chronic headaches and addiction. Additionally, medications that combine different active ingredients can heighten the risk of developing chronic headaches. This risk also applies to over-the-counter pain relievers when taken in large quantities.
What counts as 'large quantities'?
Someone who takes five to ten pills a month, every month, is at an increased risk, especially after three such months. Individuals suffering from migraines need to be aware of the danger of taking more and more non-prescription medications.
So, what do you do when you have a headache?
Nowadays, there's a much better understanding of the mechanisms underlying migraines, and in recent years, specific medications have been developed for migraines that are more effective than over-the-counter drugs. For example, about 30 years ago, it was discovered that during migraine attacks, there is an increased production of a short protein in the brain called CGRP, which is involved in the headache mechanism. Nowadays, some medications target this mechanism, and they are effective both as preventive treatment and for acute migraine attacks.
Therefore, for individuals experiencing headaches, especially those with recurring attacks, it's crucial to seek a diagnosis from a family physician or a neurologist. Today, there are effective and safe treatments available for migraines, so there's no need to suffer or rely on over-the-counter medications. All that's needed is to reach out to healthcare professionals specializing in this field and receive appropriate treatment.