專家拆解偏頭痛

Headaches are a common symptom that can be caused by colds and flu or lack of sleep, and usually resolve with rest. However, migraine is a more complex chronic condition that requires special attention. Do you know about migraine? Are you suffering from migraine? Let's take a closer look at this common but often misunderstood condition.

Migraine is a disease caused by changes in neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting nerve connections in the brain and resulting in multiple symptoms at the same time. Data show that the proportion of women with migraine is significantly higher than that of men in Asia, ranging from 111 TP4T to 141 TP4T, compared to 31 TP4T to 71 TP4T for men, and that migraines are more common in young adults, with symptoms usually improving with age, especially in middle age.

According to Dr Cheng Ka-yee, Specialist in Family Medicine at HKSH, migraine can be classified into three types: the most common type of migraine, "migraine without aura", "migraine with aura", which is experienced by about 201 TP4T patients, and "migraine without aura" (also known as silent migraine). Of these three types, migraine without aura is the most common.

The exact cause of migraine is still not fully understood, but studies have shown that a variety of factors may trigger the attacks. Genetic factors are an important trigger, with about 601 TP4T patients having a family history of the condition. Hormonal changes are also a key factor, especially in women during menstruation, ovulation, or use of birth control pills, where fluctuations in oestrogen levels can increase the risk of seizures. This is why the proportion of women with TP4T is significantly higher than that of men, and symptoms usually decrease after menopause.

Migraine attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors in daily life.Excessive mental stressLack of sleep, jet lag, shift work or strenuous exercise are all common triggers. Environmental factors such as cramped spaces or bright lighting can also trigger symptoms. Dietary factors such as irregular eating, dehydration, alcohol intake, and consumption of chocolate, cheese, or preserved foods can be triggers.

It is worth noting that triggers may vary greatly from patient to patient and no single trigger is suitable for all patients. Therefore, Dr Cheng suggests that patients who suffer from frequent migraine headaches should establish a "Migraine Headache Management Programme" (MHMP).Headache Diary"In addition, we will keep a detailed record of the number of episodes, their duration, their association with the menstrual cycle, and the diet prior to the episodes. This will help identify specific patterns of triggers that can be targeted for preventive measures.

By understanding the characteristics and triggers of migraine, patients can better manage this chronic condition. Keeping a headache diary not only helps to identify individual triggers, but also provides doctors with diagnostic references and more effective treatment options. For patients with frequent attacks, it is especially important to seek timely professional advice.