Migraines

Overview

Living with migraines can feel exhausting, isolating, and unpredictable — but you are not alone. Migraines are a recognised neurological condition, not “just headaches”, and they can affect anyone, at any stage of life.

During an attack, the pain and sensitivity can feel overwhelming. For some, it’s a throbbing, one-sided headache that makes it hard to think clearly. For others, it’s the nausea, dizziness, or flashing lights that stop them in their tracks. These symptoms can make even simple daily tasks — working, driving, enjoying time with family — feel impossible.

Migraines often strike without warning, but they are not your fault. They are caused by temporary changes in the way nerves, blood vessels, and brain chemicals interact. Triggers vary from person to person — hormones, stress, tiredness, or certain foods — but what’s important to know is that effective support and treatments are available.

At SwiftMedi, we understand how disruptive migraines can be. With the right treatment plan — from targeted migraine medicines like triptans, to lifestyle strategies that reduce attacks — many people find their migraines become more manageable, and their quality of life improves.

You don’t have to live in fear of the next attack. Help and relief are possible.

Symptoms

Migraines usually progress in phases, though not everyone experiences all of them.

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain (often one-sided)
• Moderate to severe intensity, made worse by activity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots, zig-zag lines)

Less common symptoms (migraine aura or associated features):

• Numbness or tingling in the face or hands
• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Fatigue or mood changes before or after an attack

Diagnosis

Migraines are typically diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history.
There’s no single test, but your prescriber may:

• Ask about headache frequency, duration, and severity
• Explore possible triggers (stress, hormones, food, lack of sleep)
• Rule out other causes with blood tests, scans, or referral to a specialist if needed

Treatments

Treatment depends on how often and how severely migraines affect you.

Lifestyle strategies:

• Keeping a consistent sleep routine
• Avoiding known triggers (certain foods, dehydration, alcohol)
• Stress management and relaxation techniques

Over-the-counter medicines:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help mild attacks if taken early

Prescription medicines (available via SwiftMedi):

• Triptans (such as Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan) – target the cause of migraine by narrowing dilated blood vessels and calming brain activity
• Anti-sickness medicines – sometimes used alongside pain relief
• Preventive treatments – for frequent or severe migraines, prescribers may recommend daily medicines to reduce how often they occur

Prevention

Migraines can’t always be avoided, but these steps may reduce attacks:

• Keep a migraine diary – track triggers like food, stress, or hormonal changes
• Stay hydrated – dehydration is a common trigger
• Eat regular meals – avoid long gaps between food
• Exercise moderately – regular movement can help prevent attacks
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol – both may worsen migraines for some people

Misconceptions

“Migraines are just bad headaches.”
False — migraines are a complex neurological condition with wide-ranging symptoms.

“Only women get migraines.”
Not true — while more common in women, men also experience migraines.

“If you get migraines, you can’t live a normal life.”
Incorrect — with the right treatment and trigger management, most people control their migraines successfully.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a migraine and a headache?
Migraines usually cause throbbing pain with additional symptoms like nausea, light/sound sensitivity, or visual disturbances.

How long do migraines last?
A migraine attack can last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours if untreated.

Do migraines get worse with age?
For some people they improve over time, especially after midlife, but others continue to experience them long-term.

Can food trigger migraines?
Yes — common triggers include red wine, aged cheese, chocolate, and processed meats, but triggers vary by person.

Can triptans stop a migraine once it’s started?
Yes — if taken at the first sign of migraine, triptans are effective in stopping or reducing the attack.