By Jenny Costello, Communications Officer with the Migraine Association of Ireland (MAI)

Migraine is a complex neurological condition which is classified by the World Health Organisation within the top twenty leading causes of disability worldwide. It is ranked 12th for women. There are approximately half a million people in Ireland who suffer from migraine, yet it remains for the most part an under-recognised and under-diagnosed illness.

What is migraine?

Migraine is the world’s most common neurological condition. It is a disorder in its own right and not caused by other underlying conditions or illnesses.

The exact cause is unknown but nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to light, noise and smells, and a severe, throbbing one-sided headache are among some of the most common symptoms.

In addition about 20% of sufferers experience a range of neurological disturbances known as aura which occur before the headache phase of an attack and can include:

• Visual disturbances such as blind spots, ziz-zag patterns or flickering lights
• A feeling of pins and needles spreading up the arm and into the face
• Slurring of speech
• Muscular weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion

In severe cases of migraine (for example hemiplegic or basilar) people can experience one sided paralysis and even loss of consciousness. Attacks can last from four to seventy two hours untreated.

Migraine attacks are episodic so while some people experience only one or two attacks a year, others suffer on a weekly or even daily basis to the extent that their quality of life is substantially reduced.

Triggers

A migraine attack can be ‘triggered’ by a combination of factors which are specific to the individual but most commonly include stress, certain types of food and alcohol, dehydration, hormonal changes, an excess or lack of sleep, weather factors, changes of routine, poor posture, and flicker from televisions, computer screens and certain types of lighting.

Migraine is three times more common in women than men. This is largely due to the hormonal changes through a woman’s life from puberty to menopause.

Diagnosis

There is no test for migraine – rather an extended consultation which considers family history and pattern of symptoms. The doctor may then decide that further evaluation is necessary to rule out sinister underlying causes.

Migraine is inherited in up to 60% of all cases which suggests that there is a strong genetic component. Keeping a headache diary can be an invaluable tool in assisting diagnosis.

Migraine in the Workplace

It is estimated that migraine costs Irish businesses €252 million every year as a result of lost productivity with the average migraineur missing between 1.5 and 4.5 days from work annually.

Migraine is considered a disability in that an attack temporarily ‘disables’ the sufferer. Under Irish law employers must make reasonable accommodation to protect the migraineur’s rights e.g. adaptation of work stations, patterns of working time, and provision of training. Migraineurs cannot be disadvantaged as regards access to employment or promotion because of their condition.

The Migraine Association of Ireland is frequently invited to visit workplaces to facilitate lunchtime talks on migraine management or to set up an information stand in a public area for people to attend as they wish.

The MAI

The MAI exists to provide information, support and reassurance to migraine sufferers while seeking further research, better treatments and increased public awareness of the condition. Services provided include:

• Countrywide training events, workplace talks, information evenings and migraine management seminars
• Information leaflets on all aspects of migraine
• Specialist Health Professional training
• Confidential Helpline: 1850 200 378 or 0844 826 9323 for Northern Ireland
• Specialist nurse advice line: 01-7979848
• Five specialist migraine clinics throughout Ireland for referral in severe cases (three in Dublin, one in Cork, one in Galway)
• Quarterly newsletter and monthly online e-bulletin
• Social Media sites: MigraineIreland on Facebook and Twitter
• Services provided at no cost – contact the MAI for more information on all of the above

For more information, please visit migraine.ie

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or diagnosis.