By Priyanka Deshpande
Byline: Ekta Batra
CNBC-TV18.com
Published August 6, 2024
Estimates suggest that 1 in 7 people worldwide and 15% of India's population experience migraines. In CNBC-TV18’s special show ‘Medicine Box,’ Dr. K Ravishankar, Consultant in-charge at The Headache and Migraine Clinics, Jaslok Hospital, and Lilavati Hospital, explains the best strategies to manage migraines effectively.
According to Dr. Ravishankar, migraines are one of the most common causes of headaches and can start as early as 8 to 10 years of age and can persist up to 50 years old.
What is a Migraine?
Identifying migraines involves recurring headaches on one or both sides of the head, with specific triggers and a family history as key indicators.
Identifying Migraines
Migraines are often mistaken for tension, sinus, and cluster headaches, but are recognisable by their recurring nature and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Other headaches usually lack these symptoms.
Migraine Vs Other Headaches
Migraine triggers can be physiological, environmental, or lifestyle-related. In India, common triggers include heat, humidity, missed meals, fasting, sleep deprivation, prolonged screen time, certain foods (e.g., fermented foods, aging cheese, chocolate, red wine), and emotional stress.
Common Migraine Triggers
Dr. Ravishankar stresses avoiding triggers and maintaining a regular routine, including planning meals, not skipping or delaying meals, and keeping consistent sleep patterns. This helps stabilise the body's chronobiology and reduces likelihood of migraine.
Managing Triggers
Emergency medication is vital for migraine sufferers. Taking it early can restore normal functioning within an hour. Mild migraines can be managed with OTC meds like paracetamol, while moderate to severe ones may require prescription drugs.
Medication and Treatment
Dr. Ravishankar advises seeking medical help when migraines reoccur and significantly affect the quality of life.
When to See a Doctor