Migraines: Types and Symptoms
Migraines are a common type of headache characterised by intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. They can last from a few hours to several days and often come with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be classified into several types:
- Migraine without Aura: The most common form, without sensory disturbances before the headache.
- Migraine with Aura: Involves visual or sensory disturbances before the headache.
- Chronic Migraine: Occurs more than 15 days a month.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: Causes temporary paralysis or sensory changes on one side of the body.
- Retinal Migraine: Causes visual disturbances or loss in one eye. Diagnosing migraines in Australia typically involves consultations with a GP, maintaining a headache diary, and sometimes referrals to a neurologist, taking approximately 6-12 weeks.
Comparing Migraines with Other Headaches
Migraines differ significantly from other common types of headaches. Here are the main differences in symptoms between migraines and other common headaches:
Migraine headaches
- Pain: Intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.
- Duration: Can last from a few hours to several days.
- Associated Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.
Tension Headaches:
- Pain Type: Tension headaches cause dull, aching pain.
- Location: Pain is on both sides of the head.
- Associated Symptoms: Lack of nausea and sensory sensitivity.
Cluster Headaches:
- Pain Type: Cluster headaches cause severe, piercing pain.
- Location: Pain is around one eye.
- Occurrence: Happen in clusters over weeks or months.
- Associated Symptoms: Often involve tearing and nasal congestion.
Sinus Headaches:
- Pain Type: Sinus headaches cause deep, constant pain.
- Location: Pain is in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose.
- Associated Symptoms: Often linked to sinus infections, with nasal congestion and runny nose.
Research Findings on Acupuncture for managing migraine symptoms
Linde et al. (2016) evaluated acupuncture’s effectiveness in preventing episodic migraines. The findings revealed that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment and comparable to prophylactic drug treatments, with fewer side effects.
Urits et al. (2020) demostrated acupuncture’s potential in reducing migraine frequency, intensity, and duration. The study investigated acupuncture’s safety, minimal side effects, and effectiveness compared to conventional treatments.
Diener et al. (2006) showed that acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of migraines in a primary care setting, with sustained benefits over six months. It also highlighted the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to migraine management, integrating acupuncture with other treatments.
It is important to note that the findings listed here are not entirely conclusive due to limitations such as sample size and other methodological considerations.
Reference Lists
Diener, H. C., Kronfeld, K., Boewing, G., Lungenhausen, M., Maier, C., Molsberger, A., Tegenthoff, M., Trampisch, H. J., Zenz, M., Meinert, R., & GERAC Migraine Study Group (2006). Efficacy of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. The Lancet. Neurology, 5(4), 310–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(06)70382-9
Urits, I., Patel, M., Putz, M. E., Monteferrante, N. R., Nguyen, D., An, D., Cornett, E. M., Hasoon, J., Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2020). Acupuncture and Its Role in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches. Neurology and therapy, 9(2), 375–394. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-020-00216-1
Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Fei, Y., Mehring, M., Vertosick, E. A., Vickers, A., & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016(6), CD001218. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3