What You Need To Know
Migraine

What Is A Migraine?

Migraine is the disease most frequently at the root of recurrent moderate to severe headaches.

Here is a list of the features that distinguish migraines from other kinds of headaches. Migraines have at least two of these symptoms:

• Moderate to severe headache
• Pain on one side of the head
• Pain that is pulsating or throbbing
• Pain that gets worse with routine physical movement

plus at least one of these symptoms:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity of light, sound and noises.

Who is Affected?
Approximately 4 million Canadian adults suffer from migraine; about 70% are women. Migraine occurs most often between the ages of 20 and 50.

What Causes Migraines
There are things (called triggers) of circumstances that seem to set off some migraines. These can include a number of different factors:

• Hormonal cycles or changes: puberty, menstruation, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pre- menopause

• Changes in behaviour: missing a meal, sleeping more or less than usual, emotional stress, or rest after stress

• Environmental factors: bright or flickering light, persistent loud noise, weather changes, strong odours, allergens

• Food, beverages and additives: chocolate, cheese, cured meats like hot dogs and bacon, caffeine- containing beverages, alcoholic beverages

What Are Some Treatments?
Migraine is a treatable condition, if given proper attention. Some, but not all, of the triggers can be avoided and certain non-drug therapies can help. Medication is often necessary, as it helps you relieve or prevent migraine attacks.

• Acute medications can relieve symptoms of migraine, such as:
• Analgesics, including anti-inflammatory drugs
• Migraine-specific drugs
• Medication against nausea or vomiting

Care must be taken not to use any acute treatment medication for too long. Chronic daily headaches can start to happen if you use acute medications for your headaches more than 8 to I 0 days per month.

• Preventive medications may sometimes have to be taken temporarily to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

How Do You Assess The Effect Migraine May Have On Your Life?

To help better understand the effect migraine may have on your life, take the Headache Impact Test (HIT). HIT is a comprehensive questionnaire available on the Internet (www.headachetest.com or www.amihealthycom).

Using HIT, you will:

• Determine the impact migraines have on your life
• Learn whether or not your headache is a migraine
• Print two customized reports - one for yourself and one for your doctor
• Save their results and compare your progress over time.
• Work with your doctor to track what treatments work best and develop a customized headache management plan

Whether you suffer from migraines or, to find out more about headaches, talk to your doctor or pharmacist today.

The information in this publication is presented as an educational service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your physician.

Your PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca