Migraine is defined as a moderate to severe throbbing headache that usually occur on one side of the head. Migraine is usually associated with various other symptoms such as feeling sick, vomiting, numbness, visual impairment and sensitivity to light and sound.

Some people who suffer from migraine also experience what is known as an ‘aura’. This is when someone experiences visual changes occurring at the beginning or during the migraine such as seeing bright, flashing lights or zig-zag lines.

There is no clear cause of migraine, but it is believed to be caused as a result of a chemical disturbance in the brain, usually caused by certain triggers. These triggers can vary greatly depending on the individual but some of the most common ones are stress, tiredness, hormonal changes and certain foods or drinks.

Migraines affect people of all ages and usually appear for the first time in early life. It is more common in women. Migraines affect 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 15 men and it is one of the most common health conditions in the UK.

Family history is the most common risk factor for having migraines as studies have shown there is a 50% chance you will suffer from migraine if one of your parents do and a 75% chance if both your parents do.

There is no outright cure for migraines but there are a variety of treatment options available that focus on alleviating the symptoms of migraines and preventing reoccurrence. Migraine symptoms and severity vary greatly depending on the individual.

The traditional treatment options include over the counter pain killers, usually containing Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or codeine, coupled with lying in a dark quiet room. Now there are more effective medications available that aim to work directly in the brain to restore chemical imbalances.

Such medicines belong to a family of medications known as the “triptans”. There are different types of triptans and they are mainly different in how well they work, the likelihood of their side effects in an individual, possible incompatibility with other medicines and cost.

My Private Pharmacist offers a wide range of treatment options, including the “triptans”, so finding a suitable treatment through our consultation service does not have to be a headache!

If you suspect that a trigger is responsible for your migraine, it is best to limit your exposure to this trigger in order to reduce your risk of experiencing migraine attacks.

We understand that the debilitating nature of this condition can have a huge impact on your life whether it is at home, work, school and even your loved ones. That is why we are offering you safe and effective treatment options that can help you get back to your best and leave your migraine in the dark!