We spoke to pharmacists and doctors to unpack migraine myths and reveal the real solutions.
According to the NHS, approximately 10 million people in the UK suffer with migraines, and women are two to three times more likely to be affected than men.
If you’re included in the above statistic, you’ll be well aware of just how debilitating and frustrating a migraine can be, especially as doctors are unable to offer you an acute cure. Instead, painkillers and holistic remedies are usually recommended, but these can have varying effects.
If you’re a regular migraine sufferer, you’ve probably spent countless hours endlessly scrolling for relief hacks online, only to be met with an onslaught of overwhelming information, making it difficult to sort the fact from the fiction.
So, we spoke to experts to do just that, uncovering the causes of migraines to look out for and the solutions that have actually been proven to work.
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What can cause a migraine?
There’s a variety of things that can bring on a migraine to those that are prone to them, but one of the most common triggers is stress.
“Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline in the body,” says Carolina Goncalves, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmicia. “These hormones can increase the systemic blood pressure in the body, leading to the onset of a migraine.”
Women are also a lot more likely to suffer from migraines due to frequent hormonal changes in the body caused by ovulation, menopause and perimenopause. “Oestrogen fluctuations can trigger headaches and migraines, particularly when oestrogen levels suddenly decrease.”
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, points to environmental changes as being a major trigger that people tend to underestimate.
“Odours like car exhaust fumes, cleaning products and perfumes are all very common triggers.” He similarly points to weather changes as having a similar effect, as fluctuations in barometric pressure can create “pressure in the sinuses”.
Pharmacy2U reported that searches for headaches and migraine more than doubled (+110%) from May to June this year, which could be attributed to the transition from spring to summer.
Read more: What is high cortisol and how can it affect you?
How to get rid of a migraine
When it comes to treatment, Carolina recommends using triptans — but only after consulting a pharmacist or doctor.
“Triptans are chemicals that bind to serotonin receptors in the brain to stop the release of inflammatory peptides. Sumatriptan, also sold as Migraitan and Imigran, is a popular triptan that counters inflammation and affects certain receptors in the brain to constrict cranial arteries. The combination of these mechanisms can help alleviate migraine symptoms.”
If you prefer a holistic remedy, Phil suggests soaking your feet in hot water, as the heat may help to relax your muscles and dilate the blood vessels, which could provide some relief. Applying a cool compress directly to your head could also help to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and in turn relieving the pain.
“Dehydration can reduce blood volume, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain. That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated during a migraine to maintain normal brain function and reduce the severity,” says Carolina.
Staying in a cool dark room is a common treatment for migraines, and for good reason. People who suffer from migraines are often more sensitive to environmental changes, so exposure to bright lights can increase sensory stimulation and cause symptoms to worsen. Darkness will help prevent against a sensory overload.
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Are there any migraine treatments to avoid?
According to the TikTok, some people believe that eating a whole lemon can be useful in treating a migraine, but Phil says that this could actually exacerbate symptoms: “Lemons contain tyramine, which can trigger headaches in some people by increasing noradrenaline levels and blood pressure.”
Meanwhile, Carolina recommends avoiding caffeine when suffering from a migraine, as this can cause blood vessels to constrict and can trigger withdrawal headaches: “Caffeine is also a diuretic, meaning it increases urination and causes dehydration, which can prolong recovery time.”
Above all, the most important thing to avoid is overusing painkillers. Ibuprofen and Paracetamol will help to provide relief, but excessive use can increase brain sensitivity. “This can lead to rebound headaches, which can, in turn, increase the frequency and severity of the migraine,” says Carolina.
If you’re experiencing ongoing or severe migraines, then please get in touch with your GP or doctor to discuss the best treatment for you.
