Professional Advice on Migraine

Headaches are common symptoms that can be caused by a cold or lack of sleep, and usually go away with rest. But migraines are more complex, chronic conditions that require special attention. Do you know what migraines are? Are you suffering from them? 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, which affects brain nerve connections and causes multiple symptoms to appear simultaneously. Data show that the proportion of female migraine patients in Asia is significantly higher than that of males, accounting for about 11% to 14%, while male patients are only 3% to 7%. Most patients are young adults, and symptoms usually improve with age, especially after entering middle age.

Dr. Cheng Ka-yi, a family medicine specialist at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, pointed out that migraine can be divided into three categories: the most common "migraine without aura", "migraine with aura" experienced by about 20% of patients, and "migraine with aura but no headache" (also known as silent migraine). Among these three types, migraine without aura is the most common.

The exact cause of migraines remains unclear, but research suggests that a variety of factors may trigger them. Genetics are a significant contributing factor, with approximately 60% of patients having a family history. Hormonal changes are also a key factor, particularly in women, as fluctuations in estrogen levels during menstruation, ovulation, or while taking birth control pills can increase the risk of migraines. This explains why women are significantly more likely to suffer from migraines than men, and why symptoms typically lessen after menopause.

A variety of factors in daily life can trigger a migraine attack.Excessive mental stressCommon triggers include: lack of sleep, jet lag, shift work or excessive exercise. Environmental factors such as cramped space or strong light stimulation may also trigger symptoms. In terms of diet, irregular eating, dehydration, alcohol intake, and eating chocolate, cheese or pickled foods may all be triggers.

It is worth noting that the triggering factors of different patients may vary greatly, and no single trigger applies to all patients. Therefore, Dr. Zheng recommends that patients who often suffer from migraines establish a "Headache Diary", recording in detail the number of attacks, duration, relationship with the menstrual cycle, and diet before the attack. This will help to identify individual trigger patterns so that targeted preventive measures can be taken.

By understanding the characteristics and triggers of migraine, patients can better manage this chronic disease. Keeping a headache diary not only helps to identify personal triggers, but also provides a reference for doctors to diagnose and develop more effective treatment plans. For patients with frequent attacks, it is especially important to seek professional advice in a timely manner.