A migraine is a severe headache that is often associated with other symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances and increased sensitivity to light or sound. In the UK, migraines affect around 18 per cent of women and eight per cent of men. Some people experience migraine attacks frequently €“ up to several times a week, while others only get them occasionally.

It is thought that migraines may be caused by changes in certain chemicals in the brain. In particular, low levels of serotonin can make the blood vessels in the brain contract, which may cause the symptoms of aura. It is thought that a headache occurs when the blood vessels then dilate again. There are two types of migraine:

Classic migraine

This is when the headache includes symptoms of aura. An aura is a warning signal experienced before a migraine begins. Symptoms can include:

• Visual problems, such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns and blind spots
• Stiffness or tingling sensations like pins and needles in the neck, shoulders or limbs
• Problems with co-ordination or speaking.

Common migraine

This is when a person does not experience aura symptoms. Symptoms for this type of migraine can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sensitivity, such as sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia) and/or smells (osmophobia).

Sufferers of this type of migraine may want to rest in a quiet, dark room.

Possible migraine triggers

• Food and drink, e.g. cheese, chocolate, red wine
• Changes in routine, e.g. tiredness, getting up at a different time, over- or under-eating, too much exercise
• Hormonal changes, e.g. menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy
• Emotional changes, e.g. anxiety, excitement, shock, depression
• External factors, e.g. bright, flickering lights, noise
• Medicines, e.g. oral contraceptives, HRT, some sleeping tablets.